Seoul Central Post Office

Seoul Central Post Office is a government office that began modern postal services. It was established upon the recommendation of Hong Yeong-sik, who returned from inspecting modern postal systems in Japan and the United States in April 1884. The building is the post office headquarters built in November 1884 by repairing an annex of the Jeonuigam (Royal Medical Office). On December 4 of that year, at a celebration for the opening of the post office, Kim Ok-gyun, Park Yeong-hyo, Seo Gwang-beom, Hong Yeong-sik, and others initiated the Gapsin Coup to remove the Min clan regime and organize a new government. During this event, all annex buildings except the main building were burned down, and the postal services of the post office were suspended. Postal services resumed in 1893 under the name Jeonu Chongguk (General Post and Telegraph Office), and continued through the Gongmuam Yeokcheguk, the Communications Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce, and Industry, and the Communications Agency. However, after 1905, when communication rights were taken over by Japan, the building was used as a Chinese language school, Jungdong Night School, and the residence of the Gyeongseong Central Post Office director. After liberation, it became a private residence, and from 1972, it served as the Postal Museum. Due to its function as a museum, parts have been altered and it does not fully preserve its original appearance, but the museum houses stamps, documents, and artifacts.