Designation of cultural heritage

Busan-designated registered cultural heritage (January 5, 2022)

The United States Embassy/United States Information Service served as a channel of communication between the United States and the South Korean wartime government. It also hosted discussions over international assistance and relief activities for refugees. The building is a reinforced-concrete structure rendered in the rationalist style. The three-story building with one basement level was built in 1929 to house the Busan branch of the Oriental Development Company. After liberation, the building accommodated a cultural center (known as the American Cultural Center in Busan) operated by the United States Information Service. When the government was transferred to Busan, the building became home to the United States Embassy as well as to the administrative office of the United States Information Service. In its function as the United States Embassy, the site played a major role in the political and diplomatic relationship between the United States and South Korea as well in linking the country to the United Nations and other parts of the world. It was the primary center for relief and reconstruction efforts after the war as well. The United States Information Service carried out programs related to international assistance and supporting refugees during the war along with its customary public diplomacy activities. The building currently accommodates a museum known as the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum.