My First Weekend in Seoul

[성김 대사]

My first few days in Seoul have gone by in a blur.  So much has happened so quickly that it is hard to describe.  As my family and I exited the jet-way ramp after landing at Incheon Airport there was a myriad of reporters waiting to snap our picture.  Even though we were tired after the long flight, we were so happy to be here it was easy to smile for the cameras.  But to be honest, the four of us did not know which camera to look at and when!  So you might notice that in all of the photos online and in the newspapers, there is not one where all four of us are actually looking at the same camera at the same time.

I am so glad my family traveled with me to Seoul.  We were delighted to see my wife Jae Eun’s parents waiting for us at the airport.  The kids were so happy to see their grandparents, and so were we.  It was also great to see friends and colleagues from the Foreign Ministry and the Embassy.  It’s a reminder that relations between people, and between countries, are precious.

Our two countries share one of the most precious and important partnerships we have anywhere.  It is a special partnership based on common history, values and experience.  For me, there is a deeply personal dimension to our shared history, values and experience.  Thanks to my parents and my experience as a child in Korea, I have an abiding affection and respect for Korean traditions, culture and values.

I would like to thank all those at Incheon Airport who worked so hard to make this all happen so smoothly.  I know my arrival made their day a lot more complicated, and I appreciate all the hard work and extra effort they made to make this all go so smoothly.

We walked down to the press conference room and the cameras were rolling.  The room was crowded - I am not sure how many people attended (you can see my full remarks on http://seoul.usembassy.gov/p_113_111011.html), but I know the whole family was a little overwhelmed.  Still, it was a great experience and I am looking forward to spending time with the press over the next few years.

Thank you to the reporters who came out to Incheon Airport to hear my arrival statement!

By the time we arrived at my residence, we were all very hungry.  The residence staff were all waiting there to greet us.  We invited the staff to join us for a get-to-know-you dinner over delicious bowls of jajangmyeon. 

On my first full day in Seoul – Friday - we woke up early to look at schools for my two daughters.  The first thing I noticed was how much Korea has changed over the last few years.  The choice of schools - from grade school to high school - is just phenomenal.  I don’t think you can make a bad selection as all the schools are that good.  Sifting through all the great alternatives and narrowing it down to one will not be easy.  

Friday evening we got a second wind as we prepared for a wonderful evening event.  Once a year, on or near the U.S. Marine Corps’ birthday (November 10), the Marine Detachment stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul organizes the “Marine Ball.”  My wife and I were honored to attend this event.  At the ball, we saw the familiar faces of people I’ve worked with in the past, and I had a chance to meet a number of new colleagues for the first time. 

“Marine Ball” with Coast Guard Liaison Officer and Embassy guests

Marine Color Guard

Over the weekend I met an old friend, Ambassador Thomas Hubbard, who was Ambassador to Seoul from 2001-2004.  There is nothing like picking the brain of an experienced Ambassador.  I also had a chance to meet with some old Korean friends.

Even after all my travels, I still seem to have a Korean stomach.  So on Saturday the family and I took a little unannounced walk and went into a snack shop (분식점) for some delicious ramyeon, udong and kimbap.  Korean food in the U.S. is great, but there is nothing like eating Korean food in Korea. 

Sunday came all too quickly.  Before we knew it, Jae Eun and the kids had to return to the airport for the long flight back to the USA.  The kids are still in the middle of their semester in school, so they will stay in the U.S. until this semester ends. 

After they left, I thought about my first day in the office on Monday.  As the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea I am looking forward to revisiting my roots and connecting with old friends, but I also want to share with Koreans my experience as an American and above all to finding ways for our two great countries to work even more closely together.  To me, this blog is one of those ways.  Your questions and comments will always be appreciated.  I might not be able to respond to them all, but that should not deter you from sending them to me!

I hope this will be the first of many blogs and one of the keys that opens the door to some great discussions.

[스테판]

With Great Full my heart^^ Welcome to Korea our ambassador!~

[Kona]

Welcome to Korea as an ambassador!
I am sure you will do your best to make a better relationship between two countries.

[Always]

I warmly would like to welcome you to Seoul as US Ambassodor to Korea. I hope you will contribute greatly to strengthening Korea-US partnership and alliance.

[hiboston]

Dear Mr. Ambassador,
First of all, many congratulations on your being in Korea. I spent 16 years in US and recently came back to Korea. There are a lot of my thinkings about US. I had many good memories in US but bad ones as well. As a foreigner , I always felt that there were a big wall in the American culture and society (I was not just a bum but a successful engineering professor). I hope that you will slowly realize what you have to know and what to feel to complete your mission personllay and professionally. Good luck to you and I would be of any help someday, if such opportunity given

[hiboston]

A lot of people in Korea, including me might think that US is bullying everyone in the world. Breaking such culturally and historically built-in thoughts might be the first and BIG step to bring the new relationships between two conturies. ^^

[bellissima0510]

Welcome to Korea!
I'm middle school student in Korea!
I think it's great opportunity to meet you in online.
Actually, my name is becoming diplomat.
So I think communicate with Mr. Ambassador is a great honor
Thank you for coming to Korea and Congratulations!!