The aim of the article is examining the key results of the diplomatic mission of the Korean high-ranking official Min Yeonghwan to the British Empire in 1897, its successes and failures. The diplomat was sent abroad during an important period of Korean history. In 1897 the Korean Empire (1897-1910) was created on the Korean peninsula, Korean king refused to follow the principle of “sadae” in relation to China. During his visit to Great Britain in 1897, Min Yeonghwan faced a difficult task to demonstrate the foreign policy independence of the new Korean state under increasing Japanese pressure, to find powerful ally in preserving the independence of the country and countering Japanese expansion on the Korean peninsula, as well as to receive economic and military assistance.