The United States said Wednesday it strongly condemns the attack on its ambassador to South Korea after Amb. Mark Lippert was taken to a hospital with wounds to his face and wrist.

""We can confirm that U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Mark Lippert was assaulted Thursday morning in Seoul while giving a speech. We strongly condemn this act of violence," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement.

"The Ambassador is being treated at a local hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. Embassy Seoul is coordinating with local law enforcement authorities. We do not have any additional details to share at this time," she said.

Lippert was taken to the hospital Thursday morning (South Korean time) after a 55-year-old South Korean man cut his face and wrist with a razor blade as the envoy was entering a lecture hall in downtown Seoul, police said.

It is the first time a U.S. ambassador has been assaulted in South Korea.

The suspect shouted his opposition to the annual Key Resolve and Foal Eagle military exercises that started Monday, police said.

The exercises are part of Seoul and Washington's efforts to better deter threats from North Korea. (Yonhap)