On September 9, 2024, the Old Korean Legation was officially added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places—an honor recognizing its historical and cultural significance. Built in the late 19th century, during a pivotal era of Korean diplomacy, the Legation was the first permanent mission Korea established in a Western nation. For over a century, it has stood in the heart of Washington, D.C., serving as a symbolic meeting point of Korean and American history and culture.
The restoration of this historic building began in October 2015 and continued for nearly three years, until it received final completion approval in March 2018. This marked the first on-site collaboration among specialists from Korea and America, covering every stage, from design and construction to conservation and historical recreation. More than a renovation, the project was a cultural endeavor that revived a key chapter in both nations’ shared diplomatic history, creating a bridge between the past, present, and future.
Throughout the restoration process, photographer Oh Hyangsuk immersed herself in the worksite, producing over 120,000 images that document the restoration in meticulous detail. The exhibition features more than 70 carefully selected photographs, capturing the moment each beam and brick was placed, as well as the dedication and craftsmanship of the people involved.
Praised by U.S. preservation experts for its exceptional quality, the restoration played a central role in the Legation’s addition to the National Register—an acknowledgment of its historical significance and the excellence of its conservation. Through photographs, videos, and personal stories, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the meaning of restoration and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
Hosted at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C., 3 September to 26 September 2025
Exhibition curated by the Old Korean Legation Museum, featuring photos of artist Hyangsuk Oh.
Coordinated by Jerim Kim.
Artist talk translated by Jerim Kim.