130 Years and Still Going Strong

[성김 대사]

I am often described as the first Korean-American U.S. Ambassador to Korea.  Recently, I returned to where it all started 130 years ago in Incheon’s Hwadojin – then called Jemulpo – where Korea’s Ambassador Plenipotentiary Shin Hun and U.S. Admiral R.W. Shufeldt signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in May 1882.  We arrived at dusk when Hwadojin was lit up, bustling with activities, children running with cotton candy in hand and families gathered at stalls eating street food.  There, about 1,000 people gathered for a ceremony commemorating the 130^th anniversary, and I had the opportunity to talk about the strength of our relationship and the abiding friendship the two countries have shared since that day in 1882.

Hwadojin Festival in Incheon

In fact, the two places in Incheon I visited before arriving at the ceremony were a reminder of how truly multi-faceted the U.S.-Korea relationship has become.  First, at Inha University, I made a book donation in support of the school’s efforts to build the country’s first U.S.-Korea relations master’s program.  Given that the university’s name derives from the words “Incheon” and “Hawaii,” I can’t think of a better institution to start this ambitious master’s program than at a university founded, in part, with generous donations from Korean-Americans in Hawaii.  I also had a chance to sit down with 30 bright and energetic political science and international relations majors for a lively dialogue on U.S. foreign policy.   

U.S. Embassy Seoul donated American Studies books to Inha University.

With students at Inha University

Next I stopped by Songdo in the Incheon Free Economic Zone that is transforming reclaimed land into a vibrant mix of residential and commercial centers under an ambitious plan by a U.S. developer in collaboration with local government entities.  My trip to Incheon provided a glimpse of how the exchange of ideas, experiences and commerce between our two countries remains as robust as ever on this important 130^th anniversary.

The most unforgettable part of my trip, as always, was the people -- students and faculty at Inha and the throng of folks at the festival.  In fact, my favorite part of the trip was the lively atmosphere of the festival – good food, good music and a crowd of smiling people enjoying a beautiful summer evening.  I couldn’t resist joining them.  After the ceremony, Mayor Song and I, joined by city officials, sat down for some makgeolli and delicious local food.  It was the perfect way to end a memorable day. 

Makgeolli and delicious Korean anjus!

[Mr. Ahn(안준수)]

awesome time with many good people^^*

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