Embassy of North Korea, London

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Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in London
The embassy in 2026
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. Mun Myong Sin

The Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in London 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 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]

In June 2026, North Korea recalled its ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mun Myong Sin, who had taken up the post the previous month, and downgraded diplomatic relations to the level of chargé d'affaires. North Korea stated that relations would remain at this level until Britain lifted sanctions it had imposed in May 2026 on the Songdowon International Children's Camp, which the UK had designated as part of Russian-run youth programmes involved in the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. North Korea described the sanctions as groundless and politically motivated, while Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office declined to comment on the ambassador's status.[15][16][17]

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. Retrieved 26 August 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  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.
  15. "North Korea recalls its envoy to UK over sanctions against children's camp". The Independent. 18 June 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
  16. "North Korea recalls ambassador after UK's child brainwashing claim". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 20 June 2026.
  17. "North Korea recalls its ambassador to Britain after sanctions on children's camp, report says". 18 June 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2026.