Influencers from the Korean Empire's Diplomatic Countries Promote Deoksugung to the World

Cultural Heritage Administration Appoints Foreign Ambassadors on the 16th

Twelve influencers from countries that established diplomatic relations with the Korean Empire a century ago will promote Deoksugung Palace to the world.

On the 16th, the Cultural Heritage Administration appointed twelve influencers from Japan, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, France, Austria, Hungary, China, Belgium, and Denmark as foreign ambassadors at the Dondeokjeon conference room. These young individuals reside in Korea and work in the fields of culture and arts. They will produce related promotional content for the Dondeokjeon opening event scheduled for the 25th of next month and support guidance activities for foreign visitors to Deoksugung Palace. They will also participate in upcoming special exhibitions and educational programs.

Dondeokjeon is a Western-style guesthouse built in the royal palace in 1903. It was constructed to showcase the image of a modern nation and the determination to protect sovereignty to the world, coinciding with the 40th anniversary celebration of Emperor Gojong's accession. It served as a place where the emperor received diplomatic envoys and held banquets, as well as accommodation for state-level foreign guests, but was demolished in 1921. In its place, a children's amusement park was established in 1933.

The Deoksugung Management Office will additionally appoint influencers from forty-six countries that participated alongside Korea (then Joseon) in the 1893 World Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, USA, as foreign ambassadors next month. Through these influencers, they plan to promote not only Deoksugung and Dondeokjeon but also the bid for the 2030 Busan Expo. The World Columbian Exposition was the first international exposition Korea participated in, marking the starting point for public diplomacy through establishing diplomatic relations with various countries.