[Uncharted Koreatown] Korea’s First Taste of the West—In San Francisco
- karasanfrancisco
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 6
San Francisco today is a K-food paradise—from sizzling K-BBQ joints to Michelin-starred Korean restaurants and trendy Korean bakeries. But imagine this: 150 years ago, a group of Korean diplomats sat down in a grand banquet hall in San Francisco, about to experience Western food for the very first time.
The gleaming silverware, multi-course meal, and flavors unlike anything they’d ever known—what must they have thought? Surprise? Curiosity? Maybe a bit of hesitation? One thing is certain: it was a historic first for Korea, and it all happened right here in San Francisco, the first American city to welcome a Korean delegation.
San Francisco: The First Stop in Korea’s Diplomatic Journey
In September 1883, a group of high-ranking Korean officials known as the Bobingsa (Korea’s first official diplomatic mission to the West) arrived in San Francisco. This was Joseon Korea’s first step into Western diplomacy, just a year after signing the 1882 Korea-U.S. Treaty of Amity and Commerce.
The delegation, led by Prince Min Yong-ik, was welcomed with full diplomatic honors. Over the course of five days, San Francisco’s most influential leaders—its mayor, military generals, and top business executives—hosted receptions, tours, and trade discussions.
Checking into the Most Luxurious Hotel in the West
During their stay, the Korean delegation was hosted at the Palace Hotel, the crown jewel of San Francisco hospitality. Opened in 1875, it was the largest and most luxurious hotel in the Western United States, towering over the city skyline for more than a decade. The hotel featured elevators (then called "rising rooms"), opulent ballrooms, and a grand glass-roofed atrium—all the height of modern luxury.
For the Korean diplomats, who had never seen anything like it, the Palace Hotel itself was probably as awe-inspiring as the city outside. And given the high diplomatic status of their visit, only the best accommodations would do.
San Francisco Rolls Out the Red Carpet
San Francisco’s top officials didn’t just welcome the delegation—they made sure they got the VIP treatment:
September 4, 1883 – San Francisco Mayor Bartlett personally greeted the Bobingsa at the Palace Hotel, followed by visits from General Schofield and General Kelton. Later, leaders from the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade met the delegation for trade discussions.
September 5, 1883 – The delegation toured the Presidio military base, where they were honored with a military salute. Prince Min Yong-ik even fired a cannon himself—talk about hands-on diplomacy!
September 6, 1883 – The Bobingsa attended a formal banquet hosted by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, where 300 of the city’s top business leaders welcomed them. Afterward, they toured Union Iron Works and other major industrial sites.
September 7, 1883 – The delegation wrapped up their stay by bidding farewell to the mayor before departing for Sacramento to continue their U.S. tour.
Throughout their visit, American business leaders saw Korea as a new trade partner, and the Bobingsa’s warm welcome in San Francisco set the stage for future U.S.-Korea relations.
San Francisco: Korea’s First Official ‘Western’ Experience
The banquet hosted for the Korean delegation was likely a lavish, meticulously arranged affair, showcasing the finest of American hospitality. While we may never know exactly what was served, it was undoubtedly a meal to remember—a first taste of Western fine dining for the delegation and a symbol of Korea’s entry into global diplomacy.
But more than just a meal, San Francisco itself left a lasting impression. The city’s modern infrastructure, bustling commerce, and grand architecture must have been both overwhelming and inspiring for visitors from a Korea that was still largely closed off from the Western world. San Francisco wasn’t just another stop on their journey—it was Korea’s first true ‘Western’ experience.
San Francisco: A City Full of Korean Stories
San Francisco may not have an official Koreatown, but it’s packed with Korean history. This was the first American city to host a Korean diplomatic mission, the site of Korea’s first formal Western banquet, and the place where the seeds of Korea-U.S. trade and diplomacy were first planted. And today? That story continues—whether through the booming K-food scene, thriving Korean-American community, or the lasting cultural ties that first took root right here in 1883. Want to explore more hidden Korean history in San Francisco? Keep following along as we uncover the city’s forgotten Korean connections!
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