Can you feel the weight of history pressing down as we stand before Sungnyemun Gate? Officially, this landmark is Sungnyemun Gate. However, it has been more commonly known as Namdaemun since the Joseon period. Namdaemun means Great South Gate. South Gate symbolizes honoring propriety door. This means proper, suitable and appropriate. It is a metaphor for screening and suitability as it relates to investments.
This gate is not just a beautiful structure. It is a tangible link to Seoul’s past. Sungnyemun is one of the Eight Gates into The Fortress Wall of Seoul. It stands as Korea’s National Treasure No. 1. It also marks the physical gateway into Seoul’s main financial hubs. These hubs lead into Gwanghamun and Yeouido districts. Thus came the name South Gate.
Construction of Namdaemun began in 1395. It was completed in 1398 during the reign of King Taejo of Joseon. The gate was rebuilt in 1447 during King Sejong the Great’s reign. Namdaemun was originally used to greet foreign emissaries. It controlled access to the capital city. It even kept out Siberian tigers. These tigers have long been gone from the area.
Before 2008, Namdaemun was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul. The gate is made of wood and stone. It has a two-tiered pagoda-shaped tiled roof. The city walls around Namdaemun were demolished in the early 20th century. This was to make the traffic system more efficient.
In 1938, Namdaemun was designated as Korean Treasure No. 1. This designation was made by the Governor-General of Korea. Namdaemun was extensively damaged during the Korean War. It underwent a major repair in 1961. A completion ceremony was held on May 14, 1963. The gate was given the status of National Treasure No. 1 on December 20, 1962.
Tragedy struck on February 10, 2008. A fire broke out and severely damaged the wooden structure. The fire destroyed the entire structure. Only the stone base remained. A 69-year-old man was arrested for arson. He confessed to the crime.
The Cultural Heritage Administration undertook a three-year project. This project cost an estimated ₩20 billion. That is about $14 million. It was South Korea’s most expensive restoration project. Restoration work was completed on April 29, 2013. The gate was reopened on May 4, 2013.
The gate features a double-story pavilion building. It has five kan on the front and back. Two kan are on the sides. This is set up on a wall built by piling up granite blocks. There is an arched entrance at the center. It has a long-hipped roof. Under the eaves are decorative support brackets. These brackets are placed on columns and between them. This exhibits the early Joseon style. This style is marked by solid frameworks of gently curved parts.
Legend says Prince Yangnyeong wrote the gate’s name on its nameplate. Today, Sungnyemun Gate stands as the oldest wooden building in Seoul. Its construction date is clearly known. Take a moment to appreciate this magnificent gate. It is a symbol of resilience and a reminder of Seoul’s rich history.