Namdaemun

In Korean, 'namdaemun' (nahm-day-moon) literally means 'south gate.' Late Sunday evening, the South Gate of Seoul, regarded as Korean National Treasure no. 1 (literally, they number them) partially burnt down. Saddest of all is that the authorities suspect arson. The gate dates back to the beginning of the Joseon dynasty, constructed around 1395. It became a huge symbol of national pride after the Japanese destroyed the city walls around Seoul in the early part of the 20th century, and then when it suffered major damage during the Korean war. From what I have read, it's going to cost about $21 million and take about 3 years to fix. Major bummer. For those in the US, it basically equates to Capital dome smashing in. Yeah. Luckily I got a few pictures of it before Christmas.

So here it is, as it was:


And now:

I really hope they find who did this, although, to be honest - I am afraid for what may happen to them.


UPDATE: 2/12, they caught the arson.. and it was an old man in his 70s!! I guess he was doing it as some sort of statement because he was unhappy with the government. I guess most people are less mad with him than they are with the lack of protection the gate had given all that was needed to burn it down was a ladder and a few cigarette lighters. Still... super upsetting.