United Kingdom Embassy in South Korea
Basic Information
Address:
24 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04519, South Korea
Contact Information:
• Phone: (+82) 2-3210-5500
• Fax: (+82) 2-725-1738
• Email: enquiry.seoul@fcdo.gov.uk
• Website: British Embassy in Seoul
Embassy Services
The United Kingdom Embassy in South Korea offers a variety of services to both British citizens and foreigners. These services include:
1. Visa Processing: The embassy processes visa applications for those wishing to visit the UK, including tourist, business, and student visas.
2. Passport Services: Assistance with the renewal and issuance of British passports.
3. Consular Services: This includes notarization and legalization of documents, issuing emergency travel documents, and registration of births, marriages, and deaths.
4. Citizen Services: Support for British nationals in South Korea, including emergency assistance and guidance on legal matters.
5. Trade and Investment: Providing information and support for business opportunities, trade, and investments between the UK and South Korea.
6. Cultural Exchange: Promoting cultural relations and exchanges between the two countries.
7. Public Diplomacy: Engaging in activities that promote the UK’s image and interests in South Korea.
8. Translation Services: Offering translation of official documents for various purposes.
Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and South Korea were officially established on January 18, 1949. The cooperation began with the UK's recognition of South Korea as an independent state following World War II. The UK played a significant role during the Korean War, with nearly 100,000 British servicemen fighting alongside South Korean forces. Over the years, the relationship has grown stronger, marked by high-level visits and increased economic and cultural exchanges. The relationship was further solidified during the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s, when Queen Elizabeth II made a state visit to South Korea. The cooperation has been particularly close in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
List of Ambassadors
1. Vyvyan Holt (1949–1953): Ambassador Holt was the first British ambassador to South Korea, establishing the initial diplomatic framework.
2. Nigel Trench, 7th Baron Ashtown (1971–1973): Ambassador Trench focused on strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic cooperation.
3. Thomas Harris (2004–2008): Ambassador Harris played a key role in enhancing cultural exchanges and supporting the British community in South Korea.
4. Charles Hay (2015–2018): Ambassador Hay continued to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors, focusing on trade relations and providing consular services.
5. Colin Crooks (2022–present): Ambassador Crooks is responsible for overseeing diplomatic relations, enhancing trade and cultural exchanges, and providing consular services to British nationals in South Korea.
The United Kingdom Embassy in South Korea plays a crucial role in fostering and maintaining the diplomatic relationship between the two nations, ensuring that both British citizens and South Koreans have access to essential services and support.
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