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An official website of the United States government

Sections & Offices

The Office of Agricultural Affairs

OAA webpage

The Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) of the American Embassy in Seoul represents the interests of American agriculture and agribusiness in the Republic of Korea. Activities of the office include market research and analysis, market development, and market access. OAA helps identify-and works to reduce-foreign trade barriers and other practices and policies that hinder U.S. agricultural exports.

Agricultural Trade Office

ATO webpage

The U.S. Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Seoul is staffed by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The primary role of the ATO is to expand and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural, fishery, and forestry exports. It serves as the primary liaison between U.S. agricultural suppliers and Korean buyers. The ATO organizes trade shows, trade missions and other promotional events for the retail, hotel and restaurant industries. It provides trade servicing, market and product information.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

APHIS webpage

The mission of APHIS overseas is to provide internationally-based animal and plant health expertise that enhances USDA’s capacity to safeguard American agriculture and promote agricultural trade.

Commercial Section

Commercial Section webpage

The U.S. Commercial Service Korea office (CS Korea) is part of the worldwide network of U.S. Department of Commerce offices located in more than 120 cities in 80 countries, and in over 100 locations in the United States. Our mission is to support the commercial interests of the United States and to help U.S. companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, increase sales and market share in Korea.

U.S. Commercial Service

The U.S. Commercial Service in Korea, located in the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, supports  the  commercial  interests  of  the  United States and helps U.S. companies,  particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, increase sales and  market  share  in  Korea.  The  U.S.  Commercial  Service is the trade promotion  agency  of the U.S. Department of Commerce. With offices in more than 140 overseas posts and 100 domestic offices, our programs and services can:

  • Provide export counseling to U.S. companies on doing business in Korea and produce market research reports to help U.S. firms assess their export prospects and market potential.
  • Advocate for U.S. business interests in Korea by supporting U.S. companies’ efforts on specific projects and by addressing impediments to the Korean market.
  • Promote U.S. companies using a variety of trade promotion programs including: U.S. Pavilions at major trade fairs in Korea; trade missions from the U.S.; catalog shows marketing U.S. company literature; and customized promotional programs to meet individual U.S. companies’ needs.

The  U.S.  Commercial Service Korea staff service one of the United States’ largest export markets. We are located in the U.S. Embassy.  U.S. exporters seeking  more  information  on Department of Commerce programs and services should refer to the Commercial Service website

Contact  us  in  Korea  at the Commercial Service, U.S. Embassy Seoul as follows:

U.S. Commercial Service Korea

Mail from the U.S.:
U.S. Embassy, Seoul
Unit #9600 DPO AP 96209

Mail from other countries or international courier mail:
U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Korea
188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, Korea
110-710
Tel: (82-2)397-4535
Fax: (82-2)739-1628

Or email us.

Consular Section

The Consular Section is composed of three branches, described below:

  • American Citizen Services (ACS):
    ACS is part of the Embassy’s consular section. We provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Korea, including passport services, notarials, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, documentation for marriage, voting in U.S. elections, and more. In addition, ACS assists U.S. citizens in emergency situations, including arrests, deaths and crisis situations.
    ACS Hours of Operation by appointment:
    8:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday
    12:30 p.m.– 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except Wednesdays. Please see the ACS information on this website for more information. In the event of an emergency, please call the Embassy switchboard at +82-(0)2-397-4114.
  • Immigrant Visa Branch (IV)
    Applicants are seen by appointment only.
    Please see the IV information on this website for further information on application requirements and procedures.
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Branch (NIV)
    Please see the NIV information on this website for details.

Defense Attaché Office

The principal functions of the Defense Attaché Office are to advise the Ambassador on military and political-military matters, as well as represent the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and military service chiefs to appropriate equivalent officials in Korea.

Drug Enforcement Administration

DEA’s primary mission in Seoul is to work cooperatively with other U.S. foreign and Republic of Korea (ROK) law enforcement officials in order to investigate narcotics trafficking and other related activity that directly impacts the United States. This investigative activity includes the identification of criminal organizations responsible for the trafficking of drugs, determination of international smuggling routes and methods being utilized (i.e., courier, shipments, express mail, etc.). The identification of locations where raw drug related products are produced such as poppy and marijuana fields. The identification of laboratories where final illicit drug products are produced such as methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Investigating the origination and destination of chemical shipments necessary for the final production of illicit drug products; and identifying methods utilized by drug traffickers to conceal or launder their illegal profits.

Department of Energy

The mission of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. DOE’s Korea Office coordinates and supports Program Office activities and collaborations in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on:

  • Nuclear Safety and Security – promoting the safe, secure, and environmentally friendly use of nuclear energy and radiological materials worldwide; assisting emergency preparedness and response to nuclear and radiological incidents; improving nuclear environmental waste management; and elevating best practices and safeguards for nuclear nonproliferation.
  • Energy Resources and Technologies – establishing partnerships to catalyze the timely, material, and efficient transformation of energy systems through the development of safe, reliable, secure, resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective energy resources and technologies, spanning supply, delivery, and end-use.
  • Science and Innovation – fostering technical exchanges and scientific cooperation to enhance fundamental research and discovery, and accelerating energy innovation through applied research and engineering, training and capacity building, and nurturing innovation ecosystems between industry, academia, and government.

The DOE Attaché is the personal representative of the Secretary of Energy in the ROK, advises the Ambassador on energy issues, and provides reach back to the technical expertise and capabilities within DOE Program Offices and across the Energy Department’s 17 National Laboratories.

Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations

HSI is the investigative arm of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and is charged with the enforcement of over 400 federal statutes. HSI Special Agents use their broad authority to conduct complex criminal investigations aimed at protecting U.S. national security and critical infrastructure which may be vulnerable to sabotage, attack or exploitation. Working in conjunction with Korean Law Enforcement Authorities to investigate and combat major criminal offenses between Korea and the United States, HSI Special Agents investigate violations which may include: anti-terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, arms trafficking, cyber crime, counter-proliferation and illegal technology transfer, drug trafficking, money laundering, bulk cash smuggling, and other financial crimes, transnational organized crime, criminal gangs, human trafficking and smuggling, trafficking of child sexual abuse material, sexual exploitation of children, theft of intellectual property rights, theft of cultural property and antiquities, visa fraud, and other customs and immigration related violations.

Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection

Official CBP website
Public intake e-mail address: SeoulCBP@state.gov

The primary function of the CBP Attaché Office is to safeguard the borders of the United States of America, thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials, while enhancing the National’s global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel. The Attaché Office promotes CBP’s travel and trade facilitation programs/initiatives including, but not limited to, the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)/Single Window, Carrier Liaison Program (CLP), Container Security Initiative (CSI), Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), Global Entry Program, and the Immigration Advisory Program (IAP).

Department of Homeland Security- U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is a Federal Law Enforcement Agency and one of the five armed forces of the United States.  The Coast Guard is a military organization with law enforcement authorities making it a unique service with the ability to enforce international and federal maritime laws while also defending the U.S. interest at home and abroad.  The U.S. Coast Guard is the oldest continuous sea going service in the United States.  The duties of the CGLO to Korea involve the coordination of U.S. Coast Guard operations within the Republic of Korea and representing U.S. Coast Guard equities in the national defense of the Republic of Korea.  Additionally, as the maritime advisor to the Ambassador, the CGLO is responsible for identifying critical issues that affect the safety and security of the maritime transportation system.  The U.S. Coast Guard works closely with the Korea Coast Guard to discuss joint operations, training opportunities, and other areas of mutual interest, while also supporting other regional nations with maritime safety and security issues.

Economic Section

The Economic Affairs Section includes the Environment, Science, Technology and Health (ESTH) unit and is staffed by nine American officers and six Korean staff. The Section is involved in the monitoring of economic, trade and investment trends in Korea. The team presents U.S. views on bilateral and multilateral economic issues to the Korean government and the public, and negotiates agreements to improve access for U.S. traders and investors. Some issues we are currently following include:

  • Financial and Structural Economic Reform
  • Korea’s Investment Climate
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Telecommunications Standards
  • Pharmaceuticals Distribution
  • Automobile Trade
  • Energy Development
  • Civil Aviation and Transportation
  • South Korea – North Korea Economic Cooperation

The Environment, Science, Technology and Health (ESTH) Unit, within the Economic Affairs Section, seeks to promote and expand science and technology cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea. The issues we are working on include:

  • Global Climate Change
  • Transboundary Pollution
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Health
  • Fisheries Conservation
  • Nano-Technology

Contact Information:
Economic Section

Phone: 02) 397-4400
Fax: 02) 722-1429

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Official FBI website 

The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States.  The FBI is an intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities.  It is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Justice and a full member of the U.S. Intelligence Community.  The FBI’s investigative authority is the broadest of all federal law enforcement agencies.  Its investigative programs generally include domestic and international terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, cyber crime, public corruption, civil rights, organized crime/drugs, white-collar crime, violent crimes and major offenders, and applicant matters.  The Legal Attaché is the FBI Director’s personal representative to the Republic of Korea.

Joint U.S. Military Affairs Group-Korea

JUSMAG-K is the U.S. Security Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the Republic of Korea.  As a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) organization assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, JUSMAG-K plans and manages security cooperation and assistance activities with the ROK Ministry of National Defense, Service Headquarters and Commands, and other ROK Government agencies while maintaining close coordination with United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea (UNC/CFC/USFK).  JUSMAG-K is an integral part of the U.S. Country Team directly under the Ambassador and reports to U.S. INDOPACOM as its military chain of command.

Management Section

The Embassy’s Management Section provides all logistical and resource support for the Mission. The section is headed by the Minister Counselor of Embassy for Administrative Affairs, whose office is located on the chancery’s fourth floor. The section is made up of the Community Liaison Office, the Financial Management Center, the General Services Office, the Health Unit, the Human Resources Office and the Information Management Office.

  • Community Liaison Office
    CLO provides information and support for newcomers prior to and after their arrival at post, helping to ease the transition to Seoul. The office provides orientation, organizes community events, manages the summer hire program, maintains liaison with local schools, assists spouses seeking employment, provides guidance on sponsoring household staff, serves as a resource for local information and publishes the post newsletter, “The Chosun Word”. Chancery, 4th floor
  • Facility Management
    Facility Management (FM) is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all Government Owned facilities including residential units and office spaces. In addition, FM provides engineering and construction management services for special projects and renovations to government facilities. FM operates the Work Order Request desk and acts as Post Occupational Health Safety Officer and Fire/Life Safety Officer. ANNEX
  • Financial Management Center
    FMC processes travel and other vouchers, makes allowance payments, provides check cashing and currency exchange services and various payroll services. Chancery, 4th floor
  • General Services Office
    GSO is responsible for all aspects of housing, furnishings, supplies, vehicle registration and plates, motor pool support, purchasing/contracting, shipping and customs, VIP visit logistics as well as other services. Yongsan GSO Compound
  • Health Unit 
    The health unit provides basic medical care and refers those needing additional care or specialized services to various medical and dental professionals both on the military base and around Seoul. Chancery, 4th floor
  • Human Resources Office
    HR provides benefits processing (TSP, FEGLI, FEHB), bidding assistance, career and other counseling, assistance with pay and other HR-related problems, processing of work permits for spouses, assistance with Korean visas, official diplomatic registration, travel orders, processing of driver’s license, Employee Evaluation Reports and awards, recruiting, hiring and support of FSN employees, and other services. Chancery, 4th floor
  • Information Management Office
    Classified and unclassified communications and automated data processing services, telephone and internet services, mail and pouch services, and radio network services. Coordinates systems throughout the Mission and is responsible for coordinating Information Systems procurement. Chancery, 4th and 7th floors

Political Section

The political section is responsible for the conduct of the security, defense and alliance aspects of U.S.-Korean bilateral relations. The section’s staff monitors domestic political developments and serves as the Embassy’s primary contacts with the National Assembly, political parties and provincial governments. They also monitor developments in North Korea and North Korean relations with other countries.

Public Diplomacy

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy is responsible for the Embassy’s educational and citizen exchange programs, media relations and public information programs about the United States.  Through seminars, visiting speakers and other programs, the Public Diplomacy Section engages Korean audiences in discussions on such issues of mutual concern as security, economics and trade, environmental policy, and on scholarly topics related to the study of the U.S.

Press inquiries for any Embassy official should first be directed to our Media Unit Officer, who can provide current information on U.S. policy, advise on which Embassy official to contact with a specific question, and arrange interviews.

The Public Diplomacy Section supports a variety of educational exchange programs through the binational Korean-American Educational Commission (KAEC), also known as the Fulbright Commission.  KAEC has an educational advisor who provides information to individuals with their own or other institutional means to study in the U.S.  The advisor can tell them how to find an appropriate university, how to apply, and how to prepare for student life in America.  KAEC also administers the required examinations for entry into college and graduate programs. For more information see the Fulbright homepage.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Office Days Hours
American Diplomacy House Seoul Monday through Friday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

The American Embassy offices are closed on American and Korean holidays.

Regional Security Office

The Regional Security Office (RSO) is a component of the Department of State tasked with the overall security of people, property and information for the American Embassy. The Security team at the Embassy Seoul is comprised of direct hire Special Agents/Regional Security Officers (RSO’s), a Security Engineering Office, Office Management Specialist, Marine Security Guard (MSG) Detachment, Foreign Service National Investigators (FSNI) and Local Guards.

Seoul Regional Diplomatic Courier Hub

The Seoul Diplomatic Courier Hub is made up of four traveling Diplomatic Couriers and one desk officer working in Seoul. Our mission consists of delivering classified material to 14 Regional Posts in the Far East. Our classified deliveries take us weekly to Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Washington & Bangkok. Other less frequent trips are made to Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenyang, & Guangzhou, China, along with Vladivostok, Russia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and all the consulates in Japan.

Hours of Routine Operations

Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Routine services are not available on American and Korean holidays.

This site is produced and maintained by the Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Embassy, Seoul.  Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.