SEOUL, March 6-- U.S. Ambassador to South KoreaMark Lippert, who was attacked by a South Korean activist on Thursday morning, was recovering after undergoing surgery in his face and hand, local media reported Friday citing doctors.

Lippert was slashed in his right face and left hand with a 25- centimeter knife while he was preparing for a lecture at a function in central Seoul.

Doctors at Seoul's Severance Hospital, who are treating the U.S. envoy, said he was recovering after more than 80 stitches during the surgery, but they said it may take several months for Lippert to recover the function of his left hand completely.

The knife penetrated through Lippert's hand, doing damages to the nerves and tendons of his pinkie and thumb, according to the doctors.

The youngest U.S. envoy to Seoul took office in October last year. Lippert gained popularity in South Korea for his amicable actions and words toward the country. He gave his son, born in Seoul in January, a Korean middle name Sejun.

Doctors said Lippert's stitches will be moved next Monday or Tuesday, planning to decide on his discharge after watching a couple of days of his recovery.