The Korea Heritage Service announced that Administrator Huh Min and Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha attached a commemorative plaque marking "Korea's First Embassy" at the Korean Embassy consular building in Washington, D.C. on the morning of January 9 (local time).
The consular building, located at 2320 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, is where the Korean government established its first embassy in 1949—the world's first "Embassy of the Republic of Korea."
The historic site served as the diplomatic foundation for Korea following the establishment of the government, facilitating U.S. recognition of Korea and membership in various international organizations. It also played a crucial role in securing UN forces' participation during the Korean War in 1950.
The building served as the office for Korean ambassadors from Chang Myon, the first ambassador (1949-1951), through Kim Dong-jo, the eighth ambassador (1967-1973). It remains the longest-serving diplomatic mission among all Korean overseas missions currently in use.
This marks the third commemorative plaque the Korea Heritage Service has installed at overseas cultural heritage sites, following the Korean Empire Legation in Washington, D.C. (2021) and the Korean Empire Legation in London (2023).
"The unveiling of this commemorative plaque will serve as an opportunity to impress upon visitors from around the world the historical significance and identity of the consular building," the Korea Heritage Service said.