How about a journey back to the Joseon period. We are standing before Bogoog Gate. It once stood proudly as part of Seoul’s Fortress Wall. These walls were built to protect the city. They provided secure access during the Joseon period. The Eight Gates of Seoul allowed passage. Bogoog Gate was one of these vital entryways.
Imagine Seoul in the late 14th century. King Taejo established the Four Great Gates in 1396. These were Sukjeongmun, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun. Sukjeongmun was the north gate. It stood to the north of Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was in the center. Changaemun also known as Jahamun was to the right. Together they formed the wings of the north gate. In 1413, the king took action. He planted pine trees to protect the area from pedestrian damage. Passing through this area was prohibited. Sukjeongmun became a scenic walkway.
But everything changed in 1968. North Korean communists infiltrated the area. Civilians were no longer allowed to pass. It was not until April 2006 that Sukjeongmun reopened. This led to the opening of Bugaksan Mountain in April 2007. The area was then divided into three courses.
Bugaksan Mountain remained well-preserved. This was due to the long period of restricted access. Climb the mountain and you can see all of Seoul.
Now, two of the Eight Gates no longer exist. The West and Southwest gates were destroyed. As of July 2012, memorials mark their former locations. There have been talks about rebuilding the West Gate. However, no construction had started as of July 2012.
In 2008, tragedy struck. Arson caused severe damage to the South Gate. It was rebuilt over five years. In May 2013, it reopened to the public. The South Gate is National Treasure No. 1 of South Korea. The South and East gates are the largest. They are located in busy market areas. These are Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Market.
Over the centuries the eight gates have been known by different names. Official names are taken from the signage at the gates themselves. The character for gate can appear on either side of the signboards. This is because Hanja is read from right to left sometimes. Other times it is read from left to right.
Changuimun is the Northwest Gate. Hyehwamun is the Northeast Gate. Gwanghuimun is the Southeast Gate. Souimun is the Southwest Gate.
Changuimun was originally built in 1396. Hyehwamun’s gatehouse burned down in 1592. It was rebuilt between 1740 and 1741. It currently has the oldest gatehouse of the small gates. Gwanghuimun was rebuilt between 1711 and 1719. It was largely destroyed during the Korean War. But it was restored in 1976. Souimun no longer exists. It was torn down in 1914 during the Japanese colonial period.
Bogoog Gate stands as a reminder of Seoul’s history. It reflects the city’s resilience. It connects us to the traditions of the Joseon Dynasty. It witnessed pivotal moments in Korean history. Let’s take a moment to appreciate Bogoog Gate.