Seoul: U.S. President Donald Trump is contemplating a visit to South Korea later in the month, shortly before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, as reported by sources on Saturday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, government circles are speculating that Trump might engage in bilateral meetings with South Korea and China before the APEC summit begins. He is expected to leave before attending the main sessions of the summit, scheduled for October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, a city in southeastern South Korea.

A ruling party official informed Yonhap News Agency via telephone that “President Trump is expected to arrive on October 29 and visit Gyeongju.” However, the official noted that Trump’s itinerary is still under coordination between South Korean and U.S. officials and has not been finalized.

The diplomatic community is abuzz with the possibility that Trump will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28 before proceeding to Japan for discussions with the country’s new prime minister. After his stop in Japan, Trump is likely to make a brief visit to South Korea, possibly lasting just one day.

A government official stated, “As for when he will depart after arriving on the 29th, nothing has been confirmed at this point.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously indicated that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping would have a “pull-aside” meeting in South Korea later this month. Meanwhile, a ruling party official played down the likelihood of Trump meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the APEC summit.

An official at the South Korean presidential office disclosed that Seoul is “closely communicating with the U.S. on Trump’s visit” and “his detailed schedule,” which may include a summit meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Trump.