American Embassy Seoul

I would have taken pictures of the American Embassy in Seoul, but it wasn't much to look at. Then there was also the factor of Korean police surrounding the building with their clubs out. I thought it best not to be standing near police lines lingering and taking pictures. I cleared security and entered the 'compound' crossed an inner parking lot and into the main building. Inside it felt, and looked much like a tax collector's office, or autotag agency. I took a number '125' and filled out my forms while I waited to renew my passport.

The man behind the window reminded me of a typical quirky post office employee. Nice enough, makes small talk eagerly, but seemed to be smarter than he put on. A young Korean-American woman was just ahead of me and I overheard her business. She had passed the Barr exam in Massachusetts, and New York, having graduated from BU law school. She was being sworn into the Massachusetts Barr by the quirky employee. The quirky employee happened to mention he practiced law in New Orleans, but left 4 years ago. He said he wanted to see the world and now he worked behind bullet proof glass in Seoul. The young woman, in her mid-late twenties, volunteered that she wanted to work in Seoul but had not found a firm yet. She seemed confident that she would find work, I expect she is right. The oaths she took were interesting, and she seemed sincere/proud to be taking them.

I wrapped up my business and asked if there was a Diplomatic Courier post at the Embassy, I knew there was. The woman behind the window seemed baffled by this question. I had to explain my dad was a courier for ten years. Then I added this was over 40 years ago. She seemed more baffled. I said I wanted to introduce myself and say hello. She seemed more baffled. She asked if I wanted to apply for a job. I said no, but regretted that answer. She disappeared and came back with a phone number to call, and said they are in a different building... clearly she didn't want anything to do with this.