Horace Newton Allen

Life & Legacy

Horace Newton Allen (April 23, 1858 – December 11, 1932) was an American diplomat, missionary and physician who was American ambassador to Korea from 1897 to 1905. Along with Robert Samuel Maclay, Allen was one of the first Western Protestant missionaries in Korea, arriving there on September 15, 1884.
After treating Min Young-ik, a royal relative injured during the Gapsin Coup, Allen became close to the king of Joseon, Gojong. At his suggestion, Gojong founded the first western hospital, Chejungwon (now known as Severance Hospital). Allen was in charge of the core function of the hospital. A year after the establishment of the hospital, Allen started a medical school, which offered the first formal western medical education in Korea.
Due to Allen's relationship with the emperor and other officials, Allen became part of the United States Legation to Korea. He was appointed as secretary in 1890 and was promoted to US minister and consul general in 1897. However, Allen was recalled in 1905, over disagreements with the United States government regarding the Taft-Katsura Agreement.