U.S. Ambassador Snaps Photo With Hotteok: "Brings Back Old Memories"

Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel has shown her special affection for South Korea by visiting Gwanghwamun and Namdaemun Market right after taking office.

Ambassador Steel shared on her social media today (August 1) that visiting Namdaemun Market after a long time brought back old memories.

She continued, "A lot has changed, but the warm affection, vibrant energy, and nostalgic scenery remained just as I remembered them," adding, "I am truly excited to take the time to rediscover Seoul, which feels both familiar and new."

She also released photos of herself and her husband, attorney Shawn Steel, making finger-heart poses in front of the market and smiling brightly with a merchant while holding hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes).


Yesterday, she posted a photo taken in front of the statue of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun, saying, "It made me reflect once again on Korea's remarkable legacy of innovation and leadership," and asked people to "join me on the journey ahead."

Prior to this, on the very day of her arrival in Korea, she visited Youngnak Presbyterian Church, which her parents—who were displaced persons from North Korea—used to attend, focusing on expanding her engagement with Korean society from the very beginning of her term.

Born in Seoul in 1955 and moving to the United States in 1975, Ambassador Steel served as a Republican U.S. Representative before assuming office on July 30 as the first-ever female U.S. ambassador to South Korea of Korean descent.

In a recent media column, Ambassador Steel stated her aspirations, saying, "I will work steadfastly with the Republic of Korea to ensure that the ironclad ROK-U.S. alliance continues to serve as the anchor of regional peace and security."

(Photo: Ambassador Michelle Steel's X, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.