Tucked away on a quiet street in West London, you could easily overlook the North Korean embassy. Purchased by the North Korean government in 2003, it's situated in the suburban district of Ealing, directly opposite a tennis club. The property is shielded by a residential wall and hedges, with its only notable feature being a large flag pole at the corner of the driveway. A heavy-duty floodlight illuminates the front door, which is adorned with a large plaque.
It's easy to miss, especially when compared to the grandeur of other embassies in the capital, typically found in Kensington. The North Korean embassy, located at 73 Gunnersbury Avenue, serves as the official residence of the Ambassador of North Korea to the United Kingdom, currently Choe Il.
Since its purchase two decades ago, four ambassadors have resided there. The first was Ri Yong-ho, appointed on September 5, 2003, who served under then British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Ja Song-nam succeeded him in 2006, later becoming North Korea's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Hyon Hak-bong took over in 2011, followed by Choe Il in 2016, who was Kim Jong-un's first Ambassador to the UK.
The embassy itself boasts a grand total of seven bedrooms, but much of its interior remains shrouded in mystery. A glimpse into its design was offered during an art exhibition in November 2014. The property features wooden flooring paired with gleaming white tiles, and rooms are divided by imposing double white doors. Beautiful cornices adorn the ceilings. It's thought that the North Korean government snapped up this property for a whopping £1.3million back in 2003.
