Namdaemun (gate)
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Namdaemun is located in the heart of Seoul and is an area with a mix of old and new. The landmark is officially called Sungnyemun (숭례문 Hanja: 崇禮門), but it is not widely used. It is the historic city gate, used to protect the city from Korean tigers, which have long been gone from the area. Namdaemun, literally "the southern gate," because it was the southern gate of the original walls surrounding Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. 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 currently the oldest wood-built structure remaining 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 "National Treasure No.1" on December 20, 1962.
It's located in Seoul Special City, Jung-gu, Namdaemun St 4-Ga 29.
See also
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