Horace Newton Allen

Horace Newton Allen
2nd United States Minister to Korea
In office October 1, 1901 – June 9, 1905
President	William McKinley Theodore Roosevelt
Preceded by	Himself (as Consul)
Succeeded by	Edwin Vernon Morgan
United States Consul General to Korea
In office September 13, 1897 – October 1, 1901
President	William McKinley
Preceded by	John M. B. Sill
Succeeded by	Himself (as Minister)
Personal details
Born	(1858-04-23)April 23, 1858 Delaware, Ohio
Died	December 11, 1932(1932-12-11) (aged 74) Toledo, Ohio
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Frances Ann
Children	2
Education	Ohio Wesleyan University (B.S.) Miami Medical School
Profession	Physician, diplomat

Horace Newton Allen (April 23, 1858 – December 11, 1932) was a missionary, physician, and American ambassador to Korea. Along with Robert Samuel Maclay, Allen was one of the first Western Protestant missionaries in Korea, arriving there on September 15, 1884.^[1]

After treating Min Young-ik [ko], 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.^[2]

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.^[2]