What is 15 Logan Circle known for?

15 Logan Circle NW is the Old Korean Legation Museum, a historic house museum that served as the legation for the Joseon kingdom and later the Korean Empire from 1889 to 1905.

What are the hours and is it free?

As of 2018, admission was free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Mondays.

What is the architectural style of the museum?

The museum is Victorian in style and features a banquet hall, a library, and a small garden.

Is the building historically significant?

Yes, it was added to the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. It is also a contributing property to the Greater Fourteenth Street and Logan Circle Historic Districts.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

15 Logan Circle in Washington, D.C.

What is the history of the building?

Built in 1877 as the residence of military officer and politician Seth Ledyard Phelps, it became the Korean Legation after diplomatic contact was made between Korea's first minister to the U.S. and President Grover Cleveland in 1888. It ceased functioning as a legation in November 1905 when Japan took control of Korea's government.

What to know

Located at 15 Logan Circle NW, the Old Korean Legation Museum stands as a testament to early diplomatic relations between Korea and the United States. The Victorian-style building was originally constructed in 1877 to serve as the private residence of Seth Ledyard Phelps, a politician and military officer. Its architecture contributes to the broader Logan Circle Historic District, which is characterized by a continuous streetscape of Late Victorian and Richardsonian designs. The property transitioned into a diplomatic hub in 1889, following official contact in 1888 between President Grover Cleveland and Park Chungh Yang, the first Korean minister to the U.S. For sixteen years, the house functioned as the legation for the Joseon kingdom and the subsequent Korean Empire. This diplomatic era ended abruptly in November 1905, when Japan assumed control of the Korean government, forcing the building to cease its official functions. After decades of varied use, the site underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation to restore its historic interiors. The museum officially reopened on May 22, 2018, offering visitors a glimpse into its preserved library, banquet hall, and small garden. The 5,844-square-foot structure, featuring seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, was further recognized for its significance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites in 2024.

Visitor tips

Check for updated hours, as historical records indicate daily access from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding Mondays.
Take a moment to walk the perimeter of the circle to appreciate the consistent Victorian and Richardsonian architectural facades.
Allow extra time to explore the small garden and the restored banquet hall inside the museum.

Nearby context

The museum is a focal point of the Logan Circle neighborhood, situated within a unique, virtually unchanged 8-block area. It is part of a designated Category II Landmark district that follows L'Enfant's original city plan, surrounded by Mansard-roofed duplexes and other late 19th-century residences.