Meritorious Service Record

Horace Newton Allen was an American missionary, physician, and diplomat who played a significant role in introducing modern Western medicine to Korea and later engaged in diplomatic activities that supported Korea’s sovereignty.
In December 1884, during the Gapsin Coup, he treated the severely wounded Min Young-ik (閔泳翊) gaining the trust of King Gojong (高宗). This led to his pivotal role in establishing Korea’s first modern medical institution, Gwanghyewon (廣惠院, later renamed Jejungwon, 濟衆院), in April 1885, where he also initiated Western-style medical education.
In 1886, Allen was appointed Tongjeong Daebu (通政大夫), a high-ranking official position. In 1887, he became Foreign Secretary of the Korean Legation in Washington, D.C., serving until 1889. Returning to Korea, he continued medical work in Jemulpo (modern-day Incheon).
By 1890, Allen had transitioned into American diplomacy, serving as Secretary of the U.S. Legation in Korea. He later became Vice Consul General in November 1890 and frequently acted as Charge d'Affaires during the absence of U.S. Ministers.
When Empress Myeongseong (明成皇后) was assassinated by Japanese agents on October 8, 1895, Allen, alongside other Western diplomats, demanded an explanation from Miura Goro (三浦梧樓), the Japanese Minister to Korea.
In 1897, Allen was promoted to U.S. Minister to Korea. In September 1903, he traveled to the U.S. and warned President Theodore Roosevelt that encouraging Japan’s military ambitions could backfire, leading to greater harm to American interests than Russia’s presence in the region.
His warnings were ignored, and in March 1905, Allen was dismissed as U.S. Minister to Korea due to disagreements with Washington. He returned to the U.S. and settled in Toledo, Ohio, where he resumed medical work and authored books on Korea, including Things Korean (1908).
Allen passed away on December 11, 1932, in Toledo, Ohio.
In recognition of his contributions, the South Korean government awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Independence Medal) in 1950.