Former Russian Legation, Seoul

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.253

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

조선 고종 27년(1890)

Designated year

1977

Location

중구, 서울특별시— 서울 중구 정동길 21-18 (정동)

Coordinates

37.568161, 126.971691

This is a two-story brick structure in the Renaissance style. It was built in the 27th year of King Gojong’s reign (1890). The building suffered severe damage during the Korean War. After the war only the tower and the 2nd underground floor remained. It was reconstructed in 1973. There is a tower to one side and the front entrance is made to resemble a triumphal arch. This Russian Legation is where Emperor Gojong took refuge with the crown prince after the assassination of Queen Myeongseong by Japanese assassins, from February 1896 to the following February 1897. During this period, the administration of Kim Hong-jip, which was pro-Japanese, dissolved away and a new administration with a pro-Russian tendency, headed by Park Jeong-yang, was organized. The Independence Club was also organized at this period. The inside of the room where King Gojong stayed at is decorated in the Renaissance style just like the outside of the building. There is a basement to the north-east of the tower. Only a part of it has been excavated, but it is said that this basement is connected to the present Deoksugung Palace. This structure is historically significant in that it shows something of how troubled the times were before Korea achieved independence.

Location