Consul General Song Young-wan bids farewell to Lt. Gov. Brad Owen (Photo courtesy of Lt. Gov. Brad Owen)
Consul General Song Young-wan, the Republic of Korea’s highest-ranking consular officer at the nation’s Seattle consulate, is leaving his post after three years. The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea covers the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, and Montana, providing visa and passport services. Song also spent his time both on diplomatic affairs and interacting with government and business leaders throughout the region.
He said the most important thing that occurred during his time in Seattle was the enactment of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which removed most of the import and export tariffs between the two countries.
Song said he has enjoyed his time in the Northwest. “It has been like a quasi-paradise to me,” he stated. “You have such a beautiful environment with all of the lakes, rivers, mountains, and seashores.” He and his wife, Sang Mi Hwang, have traveled to many parts of the state and particularly enjoyed the Olympic Peninsula. Their daughter graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago during their time here and has since returned to Korea. He called the people of Washington “kind-natured and gracious.”
Song will return to Korea soon to await his next diplomatic assignment. His replacement has not yet been formally announced, but Song said, “an excellent diplomat has been chosen.” (end)