Namdaemun (gate)
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Namdaemun, officially called Sungnyemun (숭례문, Gate of Exalted Decorum), holds the title of "National Treasure No.1", receiving that recognition from the South Korean government on December 20, 1962. Situated in the heart of one of the busiest intersections in Seoul, people often rush by without grasping the historical significance of the landmark. Until 2006, when the gate opened cars and pedistrans, traffic routed around Namdaemun.
Seoul, the capital of Korea from the founding the Joseon Dynasty in 1392 until today, had been a walled city with nine gates allowing traffic in and out of the city. The city founders constructed four main gates and five minor gates. The four main gates faced the four cardinal direction; north, south, east, and west. The south, east, and west gates opened at dawn and closed at dusk at the signal of the city bell. The north gate remained closed reserved for the king's escape to Pukhan Sansong or more distant fortifications during times of trouble.
Namdaemun, literally "the southern gate," because it was the southern gate of the original walls surrounding Seoul. Currently, Namdaemun serves as a gateway to Namdaemun market, a traditional twenty-four hour market that has been operating for centuries. The area is also home to several shopping malls.
Namdaemun is the oldest wood-built structure in Seoul. The construction of this gate began in 1395 during the fourth year of the reign of King Taejo of Joseon and was finished in 1398. The remaining structure went through renovation during the reign of King Sejong (1447) and the tenth year of the reign of King Seongjong (1479).
In the early part of the 20th century, the city walls that surrounded Seoul were demolished by the Japanese Government, allegedly to ease the flow of traffic in the area. The gate is located halfway between Seoul Station and Seoul City Plaza.
Namdaemun was damaged during the Korean War and was given its last major repair in 1962, when it was given the status of It's located in Jung-gu, Seoul, Namdaemun St 4-Ga 29.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Robert Nilsen, 1988. South Korea Handbook. Moon Publications: Chico, CA. ISBN 0-918373-20-4.
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