History of the Korean Empire Legation in the U.S., Taught to American Middle and High School Students

Expanding Free Shuttle Bus Operations and Passenger Eligibility
Cultural Heritage Administration: "An Opportunity to Recognize the Value of Cultural Heritage"

The Cultural Heritage Administration and the Foundation for Cultural Heritage Abroad announced on the 4th that they will expand the operation of a free shuttle bus to enhance the convenience and utilization of the Korean Legation in the United States. The shuttle will operate four times a month until November, and the target passengers will be expanded from overseas Koreans living near Washington D.C. to American middle and high school students learning Korean as a foreign language. A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "Starting with the Korean Legation in the United States, we plan to share the value of K-public heritage in the U.S. with the local community."

The Korean Legation in the United States
[Photo by National Heritage Administration]

Since last year, the Cultural Heritage Administration has been operating the shuttle bus free of charge in cooperation with the overseas Korean community and providing various cultural heritage programs. This year, the Washington Korean Community Center, Virginia Korean Association, Washington Regional Council of Korean Schools in the U.S., and the Korean Language Adoption School Teachers' Association are participating. The Korean Cultural Center in Washington is also joining to present Korean cultural programs such as 'Making Gimbap.' A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration said, "Last year's programs were well received by the overseas Korean community, allowing us to plan for expanded operations," and added, "It is expected to be an opportunity for both Korean and American citizens to recognize the Korean Legation in the United States as cultural heritage."

The Korean Legation in the United States operated as the Korean Empire's diplomatic space from February 1889 until November 1905, when diplomatic rights were taken away by Japan through the Eulsa Treaty. It is regarded as a hub of modernization during the Joseon and Korean Empire periods. Japan forcibly purchased the building and sold it to an American in 1910. The Cultural Heritage Administration acquired the building in 2012, which had been used as offices for the Truck Drivers Union and the National Association of Colored Women. After research, restoration, and remodeling, it opened as a historical exhibition hall in 2018. The first and second floors are restored and recreated spaces based on historical documents and photographs excavated domestically and internationally, while the third floor is an exhibition space displaying panels and video materials about Korea-U.S. relations.

The National Park Service, under the U.S. Department of the Interior, judged the building to have sufficient historical value and registered it as a National Register of Historic Places site in September last year. Buildings listed as National Historic Sites receive tax reduction benefits. They can also receive support from the Save America’s Treasures fund, which aims to protect and preserve American heritage.

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