List of ambassadors of the United States to South Korea Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Ambassador of the United States to South Korea
Seal of the United States Department of State
Incumbent Philip Goldberg since July 12, 2022
Reports to	U.S. Secretary of State
Residence	Habib House
Seat	Seoul, South Korea
Nominator	The President of the United States
Appointer	The President with Senate advice and consent
Inaugural holder	Lucius H. Foote (as Envoy)
Formation	May 20, 1883
Website	U.S. Embassy - Korea

The United States ambassador to South Korea (Hangul: 주한미국대사; Hanja: 駐韓美國大使) is the most important diplomat representing the United States in South Korea. This person acts as a direct link between the U.S. government and the South Korean government. Their official title is "Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea." This long title means they have full power to represent the U.S. in all diplomatic matters.

History of U.S. Diplomats in Korea
- Early U.S. Representatives (1883-1905)
Diplomatic Ties with South Korea
- U.S. Ambassadors to South Korea
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History of U.S. Diplomats in Korea

The United States and Korea first started official diplomatic relations after signing a treaty in 1882. After this, the U.S. sent its first representatives to Seoul, the capital city. These early representatives were called Envoys or Consuls General. They led a small diplomatic office known as a legation.

However, things changed when Japan became very powerful in the region. After Japan won wars against China (in 1895) and Russia (in 1905), Korea's independence began to fade. By 1910, Japan took control of Korea completely. Because of this, the U.S. no longer had a diplomatic presence there.

Early U.S. Representatives (1883-1905)

During this early period, several people served as the main U.S. diplomat in Korea. The very first was Lucius H. Foote, who started his role on May 20, 1883. These diplomats worked to build connections between the two countries before Korea lost its independence.

Diplomatic Ties with South Korea

After World War II, Korea was divided. U.S. forces took control of the southern part, while Soviet forces took the northern part. They tried to create one united Korean government, but it didn't work out. So, in 1948, two separate countries were formed: the Republic of Korea in the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north.

The United States quickly established diplomatic relations with the new South Korean government. However, the U.S. did not recognize North Korea. Other countries, like the Soviet Union, recognized North Korea but not South Korea at first.

The U.S. has had continuous diplomatic relations with South Korea since 1948. On January 1, 1949, the U.S. officially recognized the Republic of Korea. The first official U.S. Ambassador to South Korea was John J. Muccio, who began his role on March 1, 1949.

The main U.S. diplomatic office in South Korea is the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. It also oversees a smaller office in Busan.

U.S. Ambassadors to South Korea

Since 1949, many people have served as the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea. Each ambassador plays a key role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries. They work on important issues like trade, security, and cultural exchange.

The current U.S. Ambassador to South Korea is Philip Goldberg. He started his role on July 12, 2022.