Old Korean Legation Museum — Attraction in Washington

The Old Korean Legation Museum is a small off-the-National-Mall museum in a historic mansion along Logan Circle. The mansion was built in 1877 and became the Korean Legation in 1889. Essentially what that means is it served to establish diplomatic relations with what's now become modern North and South Korean. That ended in 1905 when Japan deprived the Korean Empire of their diplomatic sovereignty. The building was sold.

For decades, Koreans in Washington, D.C. vowed to one day restore the building and in 2012, it happened. The mansion was sold back to Korea and underwent renovations. Today it's the only historic diplomatic building in the city restored to its original appearance.

The building itself takes 20-30 minutes to walk through. It's free, but they do ask you to take off your shoes and wear slippers while in the mansion. There are three floors. The first two have the rooms (a dining room, bedroom, library, bathroom, etc) restored to its original appearance. The third floor is a small museum exhibit telling the history of the building. The third floor also has a beautiful view of Logan Circle.

When you arrive, the gentleman in charge of the mansion will ask you watch a 6-minute film about the mansion. Then you are free to explore on your own. Outside is a small garden.

If you enjoy interesting experiences, this is a...

After spending a week exploring Washington DC, this was our very favorite museum that we visited. Such a beautiful building in such a delightful neighborhood, staffed by some of the kindest people we had the opportunity to meet during our visit. Michelle was enthusiastic in sharing her heritage and history with us during a private tour. We felt so incredibly privileged to spend time with her while learning about the friendship between South Korea and the United States over the last 70 years. Her attention to detail and willingness to answer questions and really customize our tour makes this experience truly shine. If you want to get away from the crowds and the giant museums that everyone goes to, take the time to schedule a tour at the Korean Legation Museum and you're certain to walk away feeling like you just experienced something...

The Old Korean Legation Museum is a hidden gem in D.C., offering free admission and a unique glimpse into Korean history. Housed in a beautifully restored mansion built in 1877, visitors can explore three floors featuring original rooms, including a dining room and library, along with a small museum exhibit on the top floor that provides a stunning view of Logan Circle.

Upon arrival, guests are treated to a 6-minute film about the mansion before having the freedom to explore at their own pace. The friendly staff makes the experience enjoyable, although the guide's English may vary. The museum also requests that visitors wear slippers inside, adding to the unique atmosphere.

With its historical significance and engaging exhibits, this museum is highly recommended for anyone in D.C. seeking an interesting and...