Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel has shown special affection for South Korea by visiting Gwanghwamun and Namdaemun Market back-to-back 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 added, "Much has changed, but the warm affection, vitality, and nostalgic scenery remained just as I remembered them," expressing her excitement about re-discovering Seoul, which feels both familiar and new.

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


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

Previously, on the day of her arrival in Korea, she visited Young Nak Presbyterian Church, which had been attended by her parents who were displaced from North Korea, focusing on broadening her engagement with South Korean society from the very beginning of her tenure.

Born in Seoul in 1955 and immigrating to the U.S. in 1975, Ambassador Steel served as a Republican U.S. Representative before assuming office on July 30 as the first Korean-American female U.S. Ambassador to South Korea.

In a recent press column, Ambassador Steel expressed her aspirations, stating, "I will work firmly with the Republic of Korea to ensure that the ironclad ROK-U.S. alliance continues to serve as a pivotal axis for regional peace and security."

(Photo: Ambassador Michelle Steel's X, Yonhap News)