130 Years Ago, Wearing Gat in Washington... Photos Discovered of the First Korean Envoys to the U.S.

First Estimated Photo
Park Jeongyang, First Ambassador, Also Featuring Lee Wan-yong

The Korean Legation in the United States on the 2nd (local time) released photos depicting the activities of the first legation staff in the U.S. Military attach? Lee Jong-ha (front row from the left), Legation Chief Park Jeong-yang, attendant and painter Kang Jin-hee, and Secretary Lee Ha-young. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] A photograph depicting the activities of Park Jeongyang, the first plenipotentiary minister to the United States during the late Joseon period from 1887 to 1888, has been discovered.

The Korean Empire Legation in the United States held a meeting on the 2nd (local time) and revealed two photographs showing the activities of the legation staff in the United States. Until now, the activities of the legation staff had only been conveyed through records and drawings. This is the first time photographs have been found.

The legation stated that this photograph is considered the oldest image of an official Korean diplomat visiting an American institution.

One of the released photographs shows Park Jeongyang visiting the residence of George Washington, the first President of the United States, located in Mount Vernon, Virginia, on April 26, 1888, along with legation staff.

The Korean legation staff captured in the photo at Mount Vernon, along with many Western visitors at the time, included four people: Park Jeongyang, military officer Lee Jongha, painter Kang Jinhee who was an attendant, and secretary Lee Hayoung. All were wearing traditional hanbok and gat (traditional Korean hats). This photograph was purchased from an auction site in 2020 by donor Isabel Heinzman and delivered to the Mount Vernon Washington Library. The library confirmed its existence in 2021 after requesting authentication from the legation.

Another photograph shows Lee Wan-yong and his wife, Lee Chaeyeon and his wife, and Lee Hayoung?who were also pro-Japanese collaborators?visiting Mount Vernon on May 6, 1889. The photo also includes Horace Allen, who served as a secretary at the legation, and his daughter.

Professor Han Cheolho of Dongguk University said, "It is significant that the local activities of Park Jeongyang and his delegation, who were investigating the conditions, systems, and culture in the United States under King Gojong’s orders, have been confirmed for the first time through photographs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.