New U.S. Ambassador to South Korea emphasizes personal connection with market visits and church attendance

Michele Sison, the new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, made a public display of her connection to the country during her first weekend in Seoul. She visited the bustling Namdaemun Market and attended a church service, moves interpreted as efforts to build emotional ties and familiarity with the Korean people.

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I am also a grandmother. I have four grandchildren.

Ambassador Sison, accompanied by her husband, lawyer Shawn Sison, attended a service at Youngnak Presbyterian Church on Sunday. The church holds historical significance as it was founded by North Korean refugees during the Korean War. Sison's own parents were refugees from North Korea and attended this church before immigrating to the United States.

Upon her arrival on July 30, Sison visited Youngnak Church again, writing in the guestbook that she was "very happy to start my new journey in Korea with prayer. I am a blessed person here."

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Visiting Namdaemun Market again after a long time brought back many old memories. Much has changed, but the warm affection, energy, and friendly atmosphere are just as I remember them.

On Saturday, Sison shared four photos on her X account (formerly Twitter) from her visit to Namdaemun Market. One photo showed her wearing a T-shirt commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, holding a hotteok (a sweet Korean pancake). Another depicted her and her husband making a heart shape with their hands in front of Sungnyemun Gate. She told a hotteok vendor, "I am also a grandmother. I have four grandchildren."

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Reflecting on Korea's legacy of outstanding innovation and leadership as I passed the statue of King Sejong the Great. I look forward to the journey we will build together.

In her X post, Sison wrote in both Korean and English, "Visiting Namdaemun Market again after a long time brought back many old memories. Much has changed, but the warm affection, energy, and friendly atmosphere are just as I remember them." Earlier, she posted a photo near the statue of King Sejong the Great, reflecting on "Korea's legacy of outstanding innovation and leadership" and expressing anticipation for her work with the Korean people.

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I am very happy to start my new journey in Korea with prayer. I am a blessed person here.