On the Verge of Neo-Imperialism and Neutrality: The Construction of the Belgian Consulate-General in Seoul (1903-1907)

ABSTRACT This article frames the design and construction of the Belgian Consulate-General in Seoul (1903-1907) as a project of national representation on the verge of neo-imperialism and neutrality. The building project, designed by Belgian architect A. Groothaert, was part of the Belgian mission to showcase itself as an economic, commercial and industrial power via diplomatic architecture. The article discusses the design and building process paying particular attention to the materiality of the building. It analyses how this project and the selection of Belgian building materials were guided by aspirations to promote national industry and commerce; which were however continuously impacted by the difficulties imposed by the longdistance organisational model Brussels-Seoul, and the limitations in budget and resources of the small-state power that Belgium was at the time, as well as the rapidly changing political reality of Korea. Moreover, the article highlights how diplomatic architecture was used by a neutral country to channel its neo-imperial ambitions. In doing so it also underlines the importance of broadening the research perspective on diplomatic architecture to include consular buildings, as in the case of neutral and secondary states economic and commercial considerations often prevailed over political ambitions.