Old Korean Legation in D.C. Named National Historic Site—Here’s Why It Matters

The Korean Legation in Washington, D.C., has been officially designated as a national historic site by the U.S. federal government, marking a historic first for Korean-related buildings in the U.S.

South Korea’s Korea Heritage Service announced on Wednesday the building is now officially named the Old Korean Legation. This designation recognizes the structure’s importance in American history and its role in Korea-U.S. diplomacy. It is the only remaining structure from the 19th-century overseas missions to retain its original form.

A representative from the Korea Heritage Service commented, “The building’s well-preserved interior and exterior, combined with the exceptional restoration work by our agency, were pivotal in achieving this registration.”

The Old Korean Legation was initially constructed in 1877 as a private residence and later served as the overseas mission of the Joseon Dynasty from February 1889 until November 1905, when Korea’s diplomatic rights were ceded to Japan through the Eulsa Treaty.

It was one of the first overseas missions established by a Western country and was crucial in Korea’s modernization efforts. Although Japan forcibly acquired the property and sold it to an American in 1910, the Korea Heritage Service successfully repurchased the property in October 2012.

Following this acquisition, the Service undertook five years of research and restoration, confirming that the Old Korean Legation is the only existing structure among the 30 19th-century overseas missions in Washington, D.C., to retain its original form.

The Old Korean Legation, reopened as a historical exhibition hall in 2018, currently uses the first and second floors for restoration and recreation purposes, while the third floor is dedicated to exhibitions related to Korea-U.S. relations.

A representative from the Korea Heritage Service emphasized the significance of the designation, noting that it officially acknowledges the historical importance of the Korean Legation in both Korea and the United States. They highlighted that this is the first instance of a Korean-related building being recognized as a national historic site by the U.S. federal government.