The New Zealand Embassy has enjoyed a long relationship with the Kyobo building in Gwanghwamun but, that relationship will end when they move into their new digs later this week.
“With an expansion of our diplomatic presence in Seoul, the time had come to look for a slightly larger embassy that would better suit our needs in the coming years,” explained New Zealand Ambassador Richard Mann to The Korea Herald.
The ambassador is delighted to be moving to the historical diplomatic quarter of Jeong-dong, he said, adding, “We hope that our move there will add to the diplomatic character of this traditional neighborhood.”
Currently, the residence of the United States ambassador and the embassies of the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and the Netherlands call the historic district their home.
The new New Zealand Embassy will look out over the old Russian legation park and Deoksu Palace.
Besides being very green, the area’s main attribute is its central location.
As for a representational office of his government in Seoul, the chancery is still within walking distance of the Blue House, the Foreign Ministry and other government ministries, as well as having good access to subway and bus routes.
“The other important thing about an embassy is that it is fit for purpose,” Mann said. “We will achieve this in Jeong-dong with better conference and meeting facilities, as well as the ability to provide a good service to the Korean public and New Zealand citizens.”
The big move starts at noon on Thursday and the embassy will reopen at 9 a.m. on Aug. 2.
Another big plus for everyone is a larger consular section.
To make the embassy feel more like home, Mann plans to feature New Zealand designs including artwork, fittings and carpets.
The official address of the chancery, which will house all the branches of its diplomatic mission such as education, trade and military -- except for tourism -- is the Jeong-dong Building, Level 8 (West Tower), 15-5 Jeong-dong, Jung-gu.
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