Namdaemun (Korean=남대문 / Chinese=南大門) or "Great South Gate" is one of eight gates that allowed access to Seoul during its Pre-modern period. Over 700 years old, this gate has served as a key symbol of Korea, for citizens and expats alike. (Thought-exercise: Can you name a structure you see often that is over 700 years old?)
The picture just below shows the gate about 100 years ago. Until 2008, it was the oldest structure in Seoul made of wood.
Imagine the national horror when, in 2008, an arsonist, upset over what he felt was unfair treatment in a business deal, entered the structure at night with some flammable liquid and a lighter, and caused this:
Rebuilding began very quickly:
Finally, this past April, Namdaemun opened again.
Views of the side-wall:
One may go into the gate itself, look up, and see colorful pictures of traditional dragon figures.
Wherever we went in Korea, we witnessed dedicated efforts to keep historic treasures in good repair. National Treasure No. 1 is a good example of "visible history".
Marc
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