Old Russian Legation

This white tower, standing alone at the top of a park, is what remains of the Russian Legation, completed in 1890 on the highest point of Jeong-dong. From here you could look down on Deoksugung Palace and much of the city. Its design is usually credited to the Russian architect Afanasy Seredin-Sabatin.

1The murder of the queen

In October 1895, a group of Japanese agents and soldiers, with Korean collaborators, entered Gyeongbokgung and murdered Queen Min, known today as Empress Myeongseong, who favoured closer ties with Russia against Japan. King Gojong became virtually a prisoner in his own palace.

2The escape

In the early hours of 11 February 1896, Gojong and the crown prince slipped out of the palace and took refuge here. According to accounts of the time, they travelled hidden in court ladies' palanquins, which the guards did not search. The episode is known as Agwan pacheon, "the king's move to the Russian legation". Gojong ruled from here for a year, until 20 February 1897.

For years there has been talk of a secret passage between the legation and the palace; there is no proof it ever existed.

What does exist is a narrow path along the wall, opened to the public in 2018 as "Gojong's Road", which recreates the route the king may have taken. The building was destroyed in the Korean War, and the tower was restored in 1973.

3What to look for

• The tower, in Renaissance Revival style, with arched windows.
• The high vantage point: look towards Deoksugung.
• The remains of foundations in the garden.