Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

“A fortress of secrets,” a passerby muttered, glancing at the Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stands on Gunnersbury Avenue, a quiet street in suburban West London. It’s an unassuming detached house, a far cry from the grand embassies in central London. This seemingly ordinary residence holds the diplomatic mission of North Korea to the United Kingdom. The Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, purchased in 2003 for £1.3 million, became the official residence of the North Korean ambassador. Its location in a suburban area, away from the usual diplomatic hubs, makes it a unique anomaly in the London embassy landscape. In 2014, the embassy walls briefly opened to the public. An art exhibition showcasing works from the Mansudae Art Studio coincided with the visit of North Korean artists to London. This offered a rare glimpse into North Korean culture. However, the quiet suburban street has also witnessed moments of high drama. In 2016, Thae Yong-ho, the then-deputy ambassador, defected to South Korea, causing a ripple effect within the embassy. Ambassador Hyon Hak-bong was recalled to North Korea, and rumors of repercussions for those who failed to prevent the defection circulated. Choe Il was subsequently appointed as the new ambassador, and the regime implemented stricter measures to deter future defections. A more recent incident in 2017 saw the street cordoned off and residents evacuated due to a suspicious package found outside the embassy. The Metropolitan Police carried out a controlled explosion, only to discover the package was harmless. The Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to operate from this unassuming location, a quiet yet significant player in the diplomatic relations between North Korea and the United Kingdom.