The Korean Legation in the United States to be Designated as a U.S. National Historic Site

Posted in the U.S. Federal Register
Washington DC Historic Preservation Review Board "Meets Criteria"
National Heritage Administration, Purchased in 2012 and Opened as Exhibition Hall

The Korean Empire Legation in Washington DC, USA, will be designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. The National Heritage Administration announced on the 8th that this notice was posted in the U.S. Federal Register. National Historic Landmarks are districts, buildings, structures, or objects designated under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The criteria for designation are based on historical significance or artistic value.

This achievement was made through collaboration between the National Heritage Administration, the Overseas Cultural Heritage Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other related agencies. In March, an application for designation as a U.S. National Historic Landmark was submitted to the Washington DC authorities where the Legation is located. After review, the Washington DC Historic Preservation Review Board concluded that it meets the criteria for designation as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

An official from the National Heritage Administration stated, "It was evaluated as a unique historical space related to minority communities in the U.S., with outstanding value in terms of interpretation and preservation," adding, "In particular, it received high marks for refurbishing the exhibition space while preserving the original structure of the building, thereby recreating a historical space."

The Korean Empire Legation was built in 1877. The Korean Empire dispatched legation staff in 1888 and established a resident legation within the building in February of the following year. It was used as the Korean Empire Legation for 16 years until November 1905, when diplomatic rights were taken away by Japan through the Eulsa Treaty. Japan forcibly purchased the building and sold it to an American in 1910.

The National Heritage Administration purchased the building in 2012, which had been used as offices for the Truck Drivers Union and the National Association of Colored Women in the U.S. After research, restoration, and remodeling, it opened as a historical exhibition hall in 2018. The first and second floors were restored and recreated based on historical documents and photographs discovered domestically and abroad, while the third floor was set up as an exhibition space displaying panels and video materials on Korea-U.S. relations. English and Korean guides are available six days a week, and the site is open to visitors free of charge.

The National Park Service, under the U.S. Department of the Interior, plans to collect public opinions until the 22nd and finalize the designation next month. Buildings designated as National Historic Landmarks receive tax reduction benefits. They can also receive support from the Save America’s Treasures fund related to protection and preservation. The Save America’s Treasures fund is a public-private partnership fund led by the U.S. government, aimed at protecting and preserving buildings, artworks, publications, and other items of historical value.