|
Considered to be Korea’s Number One treasure, Sungnyenum Gate is
more popularly known as Namdaenum Gate.
So important was its stature that in the past, every representative
visiting from China and Japan had to pass through the gate in order to
enter Seoul. The gate’s construction began in 1395 and was finished in
1398. In its existence of more than 500 years, it was restored once in
1448 and is currently in the stages of being renovated.
The biggest gate ever made in Korea, the building detail that evokes the
most interest is the roof which is made even more beautiful at night
with the addition of lights to the structure.
The best place to view it is near the fountain a bit up the hill on the
right. The city has even marked "photo spots" on the pavement for you so
you can get the best pictures.
There were once walls surrounding the gate, but the Japanese destroyed
them during the colonial era. As such, it is yet another cultural site,
among many others in Korea, where bad memories of the past are still
kept and can never be forgotten.
Namdaemun was originally built as one of four great gates to
protect the palace of the Yi dynasty. 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).
Namdaemun Gate was originally called the Sungnyemun Gate. The
title Namdaemun originated because it was the southern gate of the
original walls surrounding Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. Namdaemun is
currently the oldest wood-built structure remaining in Seoul. Next to
the structure is the Namdaemun Market, one of the largest
traditional markets in Seoul, which dates back to 1414.
Visit beautiful Korea today! |
