[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.