The building housing the Old Korean Legation in the United States was built in 1877. It served as Korea’s diplomatic mission for 16 years – from 1889 until 1905, when the Korean Empire lost its diplomatic rights to Imperial Japan. (Photo courtesy of the Korea Heritage Service)
The Old Korean Legation in Washington, D.C. is set to become a national historic site – a significant recognition of the historical ties between Korea and the United States. This decision, noted in the U.S. Federal Register on August 7, 2024, and expected to be finalized in September 2024, comes after years of preservation efforts and international cooperation.
The designation of the Old Korean Legation as a national historic site springs from collaborative efforts between Korean and American institutions. In March 2024, the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, alongside other Korean government agencies, applied to authorities in Washington, D.C. for the change in its status. The D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board approved the application, praising the building’s unique historical significance in representing ethnic minority experiences and its exemplary preservation.
Built in 1877, the former residence became a diplomatic mission in the U.S. for the Joseon Dynasty in 1889 and then the Korean Empire. It served as a legation for a full 16 years, up until 1905, when Korea’s diplomatic sovereignty was stripped by Japan through the Eulsa Protectorate Treaty. As Korea’s first diplomatic mission in a Western country, it stands as a testament to Korea’s resilience during an era of colonial encroachment and international power struggles.
The Old Korean Legation in the United States has been restored to its original appearance. The above images are then and now views of the first-floor reception room. (Photos courtesy of the Korea Heritage Service)
Now preserved as a museum and exhibition space, the legation offers visitors insights into the Korean Empire’s diplomatic efforts and the broader context of East Asian history during a period of rapid change. The building’s original structure has been maintained but repurposed as an exhibition space, with its early 20th century atmosphere carefully recreated.
The new designation is particularly meaningful as it makes the Old Korean Legation only the second Korea-related site in the United States to be named a national historic site, alongside the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This is an acknowledgement not only of the building’s role in history but also the broader contributions of Korean-Americans and the Korean Empire’s legacy in the United States.
The legation’s new status will ensure its preservation for future generations and raise public awareness of the key role it played in U.S.-Korea relations. It reminds us of the importance of chronicling the various historic movements that contributed to the countries’ ties. It also reflects the evolution of the U.S.-Korea relationship over the decades.
During its years of operation, the legation bore witness to the Korean Empire’s struggle to maintain sovereignty and establish an independent nation on the Peninsula. The building’s journey from an active diplomatic mission to a site of historical significance mirrors Korea’s interactions with the wider world and the ongoing efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage.
As a museum, the legation now serves an important educational function, offering insights into a critical period of Korean history with far-reaching implications for East Asian geopolitics and international relations. Through carefully curated exhibits and preserved artifacts, it brings to life the challenges and triumphs of Korean diplomats who worked tirelessly to secure their nation’s place on the world stage.
The Old Korean Legation’s impending status as a national historic site coincides with a global surge of interest in Korean culture and history. This designation is part of a broader trend of increased recognition for Korean contributions to world culture, from diplomacy and politics to the arts, technology and popular culture. Preserving the site opens up opportunities to contextualize modern Korean achievements within a rich historical framework.
In the broader context of preserving history, the designation highlights the growing recognition of sites representing diverse cultural narratives within the United States. It exemplifies how such preservation can contribute to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of American history and acknowledge various immigrant communities’ contributions to the nation and the international relationships that shaped it.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Korea Here & Now" work can be used under the condition of "Public Nuri Type 1 (Source Indication)."
