US Diplomat, Missionary, Physician. Noted for his influential work in Korea. After graduating from medical school at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1883, he traveled to China to work as a Presbyterian medical missionary. Allen then went to Korea, where he became the first known Protestant missionary. In 1884, Allen saved the life of Prince Young Ik, the nephew of King Gojong, by utilizing modern Western medical treatments which were unknown in Korea at the time. The prince recovered in three months, and thus began a close connection between Dr. Allen and King Gojong. In 1885 Allen established the first modern medical facility in Korea, which today is the Yonsei University Severance Hospital and School of Medicine. Two years later he accompanied the first Korean diplomatic delegation to Washington, DC and, in 1890, he was appointed secretary to the American legation in Seoul. He helped organize the Korean booth and delegation to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and was awarded the Taeguk First Class order of merit by King Gojong. In 1897, he was appointed the United States Minister Plenipotentiary (Ambassador) to the Korean empire. Dr. Allen was recalled to the US in 1905 as Japan began to exert control over Korea. He established a medial practice in Toledo, Ohio, where he lived until his death.
US Diplomat, Missionary, Physician. Noted for his influential work in Korea. After graduating from medical school at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1883, he traveled to China to work as a Presbyterian medical missionary. Allen then went to Korea, where he became the first known Protestant missionary. In 1884, Allen saved the life of Prince Young Ik, the nephew of King Gojong, by utilizing modern Western medical treatments which were unknown in Korea at the time. The prince recovered in three months, and thus began a close connection between Dr. Allen and King Gojong. In 1885 Allen established the first modern medical facility in Korea, which today is the Yonsei University Severance Hospital and School of Medicine. Two years later he accompanied the first Korean diplomatic delegation to Washington, DC and, in 1890, he was appointed secretary to the American legation in Seoul. He helped organize the Korean booth and delegation to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and was awarded the Taeguk First Class order of merit by King Gojong. In 1897, he was appointed the United States Minister Plenipotentiary (Ambassador) to the Korean empire. Dr. Allen was recalled to the US in 1905 as Japan began to exert control over Korea. He established a medial practice in Toledo, Ohio, where he lived until his death.
Bio by: Thomas Mick
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