Embassy of North Korea, London

The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in London (Korean: 주 영국 조선민주주의인민공화국 대사관; Hanja: 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] 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] The seven-bedroom property was purchased by the North Korean government for £1.3 million in 2003.[4][5]

Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in London
LocationEaling, London
Address73 Gunnersbury Avenue, London, W5 4LP
Coordinates51.50310°N 0.28915°W / 51.50310; -0.28915
AmbassadorHis Excellency Mr Choe Il

History

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]

On 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.[11]

See also


References
  1. "Foreign embassies in the UK - Publications - GOV.UK".
  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. Alex Spillius (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. Retrieved 2016-08-26.
  6. Vincent Dowd (4 November 2014). "North Korean UK embassy hosts first art exhibition". BBC. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  7. Jonathan Miller (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. 2016-08-17. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  9. Ryall, Julian (25 August 2016). "North Korea's ambassador withdrawn and facing questions over London defection". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2016-08-26.
  10. Chang, Il-Hyun (August 24, 2016). "N.Korea Orders Ambassador in U.K. to Come Home". The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition). Retrieved 2016-08-26.
  11. "Police blow up 'suspicious item' outside North Korean embassy". Evening Standard. 25 September 2017. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
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