Meet the New Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna of the Republic of Korea

Ham Sang Wook is currently South Korea’s Ambassador to Austria, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Office in Vienna and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Austria officially took up his duties in Vienna on October 16. Ambassador Ham Sang Wook then paid a courtesy call to Austrian Secretary General for Foreign Affairs Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal on the afternoon of Oct. 18 and presented him with a copy of his credentials.

Ambassador Ham Sang Wook and Launsky-Tieffenthal assessed the development of bilateral relations between Korea and Austria on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and sought to promote friendly and cooperative relations. Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in key areas of cooperation such as economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges, as reported by Vindobona.org. Both countries also intend to continue working together to promote security and peace in the region, especially on the Korean Peninsula.

Ham Sang-Wook is an experienced diplomat with 20 years of experience. Ambassador Ham Sang Wook was the Deputy Foreign Minister of South Korea in his previous position and is well experienced in diplomacy.

The new Permanent Representative of South Korea to the United Nations (Vienna), recently presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.

Welcome to the new Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea, Sang-wook Ham, who presented his credentials today to the Director-General of #UNVienna @GhadaFathiWaly - more https://t.co/3A8COeCLEK pic.twitter.com/ekL3E1Iv5Q

— UN Vienna (@UN_Vienna) October 20, 2022

In addition, Mr. Ham Sang-Wook represents the Republic of Korea at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He recently presented his credentials to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna.

Good to meet  Amb. HAM Sang Wook, who will Chair the @IAEAorg’s Board of Governors. As the IAEA addresses the situation in #Ukraine and ongoing non-proliferation challenges, the work of our Board is as critical as ever. pic.twitter.com/pHZ9UgAMdS

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) September 5, 2022

Ambassador Ham Sang Wook will chair the IAEA Board of Governors and address the situation in Ukraine and current nonproliferation challenges.

Ambassador Ham Sang Wook is well-versed in multilateral relations and has represented South Korea at the United Nations in New York. In addition, the new South Korean ambassador also has experience in international relations in the field of nuclear security, especially on the Korean Peninsula.

Exec Sec @_RobFloyd was pleased to accept the credentials of H.E. Mr. Sang Wook Ham, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea, and welcome him to Vienna just 24 hours after his arrival! is a staunch supporter of #CTBTO and strong advocate for #CTBT universalization. pic.twitter.com/b4SNYHAT7R

— CTBTO (@CTBTO) October 17, 2022

Ham Sang-Wook's undergraduate degree is in Political Science from Seoul National University, and he holds a Master's degree from Columbia University in International Affairs.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ham Sang-Wook has served in various capacities.

UNIS