▲ President Lee Jae Myung (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pose for a photo during their visit to Horyu-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, on Jan. 14, 2026. (Yonhap)

S Korea-Japan summit

Japanese PM to receive near state-visit honors during planned visit to S. Korea: presidential office

SEOUL, May 17 (Yonhap) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be welcomed with honors equivalent to those accorded during a state visit during her planned trip to the South Korean city of Andong this week for a summit with President Lee Jae Myung, the presidential office said Sunday.

Takaichi is scheduled to make a two-day visit to Andong, Lee's hometown in North Gyeongsang Province located about 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul, starting Tuesday, as part of the so-called shuttle diplomacy between the two neighboring countries.

The two leaders last met in January, when Lee visited Nara Prefecture, the Japanese leader's hometown.

"We expect this visit to serve as a meaningful opportunity to further deepen the strong trust and friendship between the leaders of the two countries," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said.

Takaichi is scheduled to arrive at Daegu Airport on Tuesday, where she will be welcomed by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina and other officials before heading to a hotel where small-group and expanded summit talks will take place.

President Lee is expected to personally greet Takaichi at the hotel entrance.

The Japanese leader will be welcomed with near state visit-level honors, including an escort by a traditional honor guard and military band, Kang said.

Following the summit talks, the two leaders will hold a joint press announcement before attending a dinner banquet and friendship event.

The dinner menu will feature fusion Korean cuisine inspired by "Suun Japbang," a historic Andong family cookbook designated as a national treasure. Dishes will include Andong braised chicken.

The two leaders will then travel to the Hahoe Folk Village and enjoy a specially arranged traditional cultural performance, Kang added.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]