Here stands a silent witness to a tumultuous era the Old Russian Legation. This is no ordinary building. It is a place where a king sought refuge. It is a place where Korea’s fate hung in the balance.
The Old Russian Legation’s story began in 1890. Swiss-Russian architect A. J. Scredin Sabatine designed it. He created this Renaissance-style white building. It served as a diplomatic office. It was lower in status than an embassy.
King Gojong’s life took a dramatic turn here. In 1896, fear gripped the king. He worried about a coup after his wife Empress Myeongseong’s murder. The king and his crown prince secretly fled to the Old Russian Legation.
Imagine the scene. A secret passageway connected this building to Deoksugung Palace. Under the cover of darkness King Gojong and his son slipped away. They sought asylum within these walls.
For a year, the Old Russian Legation was the center of Korean power. From here, King Gojong ruled. He oversaw many political changes. International influences played a significant role during this time. These changes contributed to the declaration of the Korean Empire in 1897.
The original complex was much larger. It featured a two-story main building. Sadly, the Korean War destroyed it. Only the three-story tower remains. The tower was once connected to the main building.
The Old Russian Legation tower is easily missed. It sits near City Hall, Seoul Plaza, and Deoksugung. Yet, it holds a unique place in Seoul’s history. It is a testament to a time of upheaval and change.
King Gojong chose the Russian Legation for good reason. Russia and Korea had established relations in 1884. Russia was interested in supporting its political and economic interests in East Asia. Korea saw Russia as a potential military ally. Unlike Japan Russia seemed to have no desire to invade.
The king’s time at the Old Russian Legation was transformative. It was here that he planned for a modern independent Korean state. His stay marked a shift in Korean politics. It moved away from pro-Japanese factions. It favored those aligned with the murdered Queen Min.
Today, the Embassy of the Russian Federation stands nearby. It is just a short walk from the Old Russian Legation. The embassy wished to rebuild on the original site. However, they were only able to purchase the property where it stands today.
The Old Russian Legation stands as a symbol. It represents the complex history between Korea and Russia. It reminds us of a king’s courage and a nation’s struggle for independence. Though partially destroyed it remains a powerful reminder of Korea’s past. So take a moment to appreciate this unique and interesting piece of Seoul’s history.