The Marmot's Hole has the scoop: National Treasure Number One, Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate, began burning last night.
This Wikipedia entry on the gate will need to be updated to reflect yesterday's disaster.
Why is this National treasure No. 1? Rather poignantly, Wikipedia points out:
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).
Keep checking the Hole for updates.
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I saw this on the news last night. An absolute tragedy on a number of levels. A tragedy that it burned, of course, but also a tragedy that they failed to put out the fire and a tragedy that someone (apparently) set fire to it in the first place.
ReplyDeleteAnd to think I was there on Sunday only a couple of hours before it went up in flames. Hmmmmm...I wonder If I'll have the same luck with work.....?
ReplyDeleteWho would set fire to this in the first place?! Geez. That's terrible....
ReplyDelete