Embassy of North Korea, London

Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in London
Map
LocationEaling, London
Address73 Gunnersbury Avenue, London, W5 4LP
Coordinates51°30′11″N 0°17′21″W / 51.50310°N 0.28915°W / 51.50310; -0.28915
AmbassadorHis Excellency Mr. Choe Il

The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in London (Korean: 주 영국 조선민주주의인민공화국 대사관; Hancha: 駐英國朝鮮民主主義人民共和國大使館; MR: Chu Yŏngguk Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Daesagwan) is the diplomatic mission of North Korea to the United Kingdom.[1] The official residence of the Ambassador of North Korea to the United Kingdom, it is located in a detached house at 73 Gunnersbury Avenue on the northern corner junction with Baronsmede, in Ealing, a suburban district of west London. It is notable for being one of the few embassies in London located in a suburban area, away from the central diplomatic areas of the city.[2][3]

History

The seven-bedroom property was purchased by the North Korean government for £1.3 million in 2003.[4][5]

In November 2014, an exhibition of art from the Mansudae Art Studio was held at the embassy, to coincide with the visit of four North Korean artists to London.[6][7]

The former deputy ambassador Thae Yong-ho defected to South Korea in 2016.[8] The ambassador at the time was Hyon Hak-bong. As of 25 August 2016, Hyon is reported to have been recalled to North Korea following Thae's defection.[9][10] North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly ordered the execution of those who failed to prevent Thae's defection.[11] Choe Il was subsequently appointed ambassador to London. The regime took extra steps to discourage diplomats from defecting.[12]

In September 2017 a suspicious package was found outside of the embassy. As a result, the area's roads and homes were closed and evacuated by the Metropolitan Police who also carried out a controlled explosion.[13] After the controlled explosion, it was found that the package was non-threatening.[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Foreign embassies in the UK - Publications - GOV.UK". 3 September 2013.
  2. ^ "The North Korean embassy – would you believe it's here?". The Guardian. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  3. ^ "The suburban semi that houses the North Korean embassy". BBC News. 27 April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  4. ^ Spillius, Alex (5 April 2013). "North Korean embassy: all quiet on the Ealing front". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  5. ^ Smith, Robert DG (10 January 2015). "Inside North Korea's Remarkable Embassy In Suburban London". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  6. ^ Dowd, Vincent (4 November 2014). "North Korean UK embassy hosts first art exhibition". BBC. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  7. ^ Miller, Jonathan (4 November 2014). "Take a rare glimpse at North Korea's brushstroke diplomacy". London: Channel 4 News. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  8. ^ "North Korea diplomat defects to South". BBC News. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  9. ^ Ryall, Julian (25 August 2016). "North Korea's ambassador withdrawn and facing questions over London defection". The Telegraph. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  10. ^ Chang, Il-Hyun (24 August 2016). "N.Korea Orders Ambassador in U.K. to Come Home". The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition). Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  11. ^ Sridharan, Vasudevan (19 August 2016). "Kim Jong-un 'orders execution' of those who failed to prevent London-based diplomat's defection". International Business Times UK. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  12. ^ Lotto Persio, Sofia (3 November 2016). "North Korea appoints new UK ambassador after 'human scum' defection scandal". International Business Times UK. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  13. ^ Morrison, Sean (25 September 2017). "Police blow up 'suspicious item' outside North Korean embassy". Evening Standard. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  14. ^ Cockburn, Harry (25 September 2017). "Police carry out controlled explosion on suspicious package found outside North Korean embassy in London". The Independent.