U.S. Embassy says consulate in Busan operating normally after reports of possible closure

SEOUL, April 17 (Yonhap) — The U.S. Consulate in Busan is currently operating normally, the U.S. Embassy in South Korea said Thursday, after media reports suggested it is being considered for closure.

CNN reported Tuesday that the Donald Trump administration is looking at closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates, including the mission in Busan, about 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, citing an internal State Department document.

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul said there has been no announcement of closures of embassies and consulates, adding that the consulate in Busan is conducting normal operations.

It said the State Department continuously evaluates its global programs and posture to respond to challenges.

The consulate in Busan currently offers consular services to U.S. citizens in the country’s second-largest city and nearby areas. If the consulate does shut down, residents in the area will likely have to travel to Seoul for the services.

“South Korea and the United States are always in close communications on all issues,” a South Korean foreign ministry official said.