    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [November 23, 1993]
    [Pages 2064-2065]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the State Dinner for President Kim Yong-sam of South Korea
    November 23, 1993

        Mr. President, Mrs. Kim, distinguished guests, 4 months ago the
    First Lady and I were deeply honored by the warm hospitality that the
    President and Mrs. Kim extended to us during our visit to Korea,
    including a memorable state dinner at Korea's Blue House. Tonight it is
    our pleasure to welcome President and Mrs. Kim to the first state dinner
    we've held here at the White House.
        Mr. President, your leadership for democracy and your great personal
    sacrifice in the cause of democracy in Korea has been an inspiration to
    freedom-loving people around the world. And you have provided
    leadership, as well, for your country's remarkable economic performance
    which has made Korea a model for other nations. Terrain that once was
    bomb-scarred and war-ravaged today supports modern factories and new
    skyscrapers. In just 33 years, Korea's output has increased an
    astounding 100-fold.
        The optimism and perseverance that have made South Korea great can
    also be found in abundance here in our Korean-American community. Over 1
    million Korean-Americans today are contributing greatly to the dynamism
    of our American life. They are building bonds of cooperation across an
    ocean of opportunity, bonds that will serve our two nations well as we
    meet the many challenges that face us both in the years ahead.
        For 43 years, Mr. President, America and Korea have stood shoulder
    to shoulder to preserve security on the peninsula. Today, new challenges
    such as North Korea's nuclear program continue to demand our vigilance
    and our determined effort. But they also demand that we demonstrate
    vision. You and I share a vision, Mr. President, a vision of a Korea at
    peace and one day reunited on terms acceptable to the Korean people.
        During my visit to Korea in July, I was moved not only by the beauty
    of the ``Land of the Morning Calm'' but also by the spirit of the
    people. When I visited Seoul, I gained a better appreciation of the
    scope of Korea's economic success, the miracle on the Han. When I stood
    on the somber bridge at the Point of No Return, I gained a deeper
    appreciation for Korea's continuing security challenges. When I spoke to
    the National Assembly, I gained an inspiring appreciation of Korea's
    commitment to democracy. And when I went jogging with President Kim, I
    gained a fresh appreciation for the warmth, the vigor, and the endurance
    of Korea's leader.

    [[Page 2065]]

        President Kim, it is with great admiration for you and for the
    people of Korea that I invite everyone here to join me in a toast to you
    and to the Republic of Korea. May democracy continue to flourish there,
    and may the dream of peaceful reunification on the Korean Peninsula soon
    become a reality.
        To President and Mrs. Kim and the people of the Republic of Korea.
    Hear, hear.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:38 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House.