Horace Newton Allen was an American physician, missionary, and diplomat who played a pivotal role in introducing Western medicine to Korea during the late Joseon dynasty. Arriving in Korea in September 1884, Allen was among the first Western Protestant missionaries to establish a presence in the country. He quickly gained the trust of the Korean royal court after successfully treating Min Young-ik, a relative of the royal family who was severely injured during the Gapsin Coup of 1884.\n\nFollowing this event, Allen became a close advisor to King Gojong. At Allen's suggestion, the king founded Chejungwon, the first Western-style hospital in Korea, which Allen managed. A year later, Allen established a medical school connected to the hospital, initiating the first formal Western medical education in the country.\n\nAllen's close ties with the Korean monarchy facilitated his transition into diplomatic service. He joined the United States Legation to Korea, serving as secretary in 1890 before being promoted to US minister and consul general in 1897. He remained in this ambassadorial role until 1905, when he was recalled by the United States government due to policy disagreements regarding the Taft-Katsura Agreement.
