The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Diplomacy
  • Defense
  • Labor & Environment
  • Law & Crime
  • Health & Welfare
  • Embassy
  • Seoul & Provinces
  • Education
  • Foreign Communities
  • Obituaries
  • Multicultural Youth Award
Biz & Tech
  • Auto
  • IT
  • Game
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail & Food
  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Airlines
Finance
  • Policies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Banks
  • Non-banks
  • Economic Essay Contest
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Books
  • Travel & Cuisine
  • Trend
  • Fashion
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
  • K-pop
  • K-dramas & Shows
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Performances
  • Asia Model Festival
Sports
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Baseball
  • Other Sports
World
  • Asia Pacific
  • Americas
  • Europe & Africa
  • SCMP
Video
  • On the Spot
  • Feature
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
Community
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
National
  • Politics
  • Diplomacy
  • Defense
  • Labor & Environment
  • Law & Crime
  • Health & Welfare
  • Embassy
  • Seoul & Provinces
  • Education
  • Foreign Communities
  • Obituaries
  • Multicultural Youth Award
Sat, January 16, 2021 | 12:03
-------------------------
Donation for Gate Restoration Proposed
Posted : 2008-02-12 18:00
Updated : 2008-02-12 18:00
Mail
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down

Citizens of the Socho District in southern Seoul place an envelope containing cash into a box to raise funds to help restore the burned down Sungnyemun. / Yonhap
By Kim Yon-se
Staff Reporter

The next administration will initiate a donation campaign to help finance the restoration of the gutted National Treasure No. 1, Sungnyemun, also known as Namdaemun (Big Southern Gate).

President-elect Lee Myung-bak made the proposal during his meeting with members of his transition committee in Seoul, Tuesday.

Transition committee spokesman Lee Dong-kwan said the fundraising drive will start after Lee is sworn in as President on Feb. 25.

``I heard that the restoration of the National Treasure to its original form will cost about 20 billion won,'' the President-elect told the meeting. ``The government could allocate some of the budget. But how about pushing for restoration through donations by the public?''

Citing a suggestion by several Koreans residing abroad that they would participate in the donation campaign, Lee said he believes the privately-funded restoration would consolidate the people more. The Korea Times also received an inquiry from a foreigner in Hong Kong on ways of donating to the restoration of the gate. Like all Koreans, the foreign visitor to Namdaemum during his past trip, said he was also shocked to hear of the arson.

Transition committee Chairwoman Lee Kyung-sook said, ``Lee's proposal might be very reasonable in placating the saddened people.''

The Cultural Heritage Administration estimates that the restoration of the gate to its original form will cost about 20 billion won and it will take three years to complete the work.

Some netizens called the fund-raising campaign nothing but an event. ``The fire was caused by a lack of the proper security systems. The President-elect's proposal transfers the burden from the government to the people,'' a netizen said.

Netizens are accusing Lee of allowing people to freely enter Sungnyemun while serving as Seoul mayor between 2002 and 2006. The gate was first open to the public in March 2006.

A netizen said Lee's policies disrespected King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) who initiated the construction of the gate, and King Sejong the Great who created the Korean alphabet, hangeul.

Lee has the policy drive of English-emersion public education in which let students use only English in English classes from the first grade of the elementary school.

Some netizens criticize the President-elect for putting priority on relations with the United States and Japan, instead of making efforts for better relations with North Korea and for cherishing national traditions.

Cultural Heritage Administrator You Hong-june tendered resignation to President Roh Moo-hyun in Tuesday afternoon, saying he will take responsibility for the crumbled-down Sungnyemun.

kys@koreatimes.co.kr









 
WooriBank
 
  • Calls mounting to punish deepfake porn distributors
  • Why treatments unlikely to be 'game changer' in COVID-19 battle
  • Samsung unveils Galaxy S21
  • Coupang to change landscape of logistics market
  • Military parade pressures Biden to take North Korea seriously
  • LVMH to raise prices of its luxury brands
  • Korea, Japan urged to take next steps after court ruling
  • Hana Bank pushes for English-language documentation
  • Philippines' Duterte says presidency not a job for a woman
  • New virus cases in 500s for 4th day
  • Ex-BIGBANG member Seungri indicted for mobilizing gang members to threaten people Ex-BIGBANG member Seungri indicted for mobilizing gang members to threaten people
  • Chinese money flows into Korean culture industry amid streaming war Chinese money flows into Korean culture industry amid streaming war
  • Entertainers in hot seat over apartment noise Entertainers in hot seat over apartment noise
  • 'The Penthouse: War in Life' season 2 set to air Feb. 19 'The Penthouse: War in Life' season 2 set to air Feb. 19
  • Film director says theme of universal humanity in 'Minari' resonates with American audience Film director says theme of universal humanity in 'Minari' resonates with American audience
DARKROOM
  • Second Trump impeachment [PHOTOS]

    Second Trump impeachment [PHOTOS]

  • Pro-Trump rioters breach the US Capitol

    Pro-Trump rioters breach the US Capitol

  • Our children deserve better (Part 2)

    Our children deserve better (Part 2)

  • Migrants hard hit by COVID-19: UN migration agency

    Migrants hard hit by COVID-19: UN migration agency

  • Happy New Year 2021

    Happy New Year 2021

WooriBank
  • About Korea Times
  • CEO Message
  • Times History
  • Content Sales
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Location
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Mobile Service
  • RSS Service
  • Ombudsman
  • hankookilbo
  • Dongwha Group
  • Code of Ethics
Copyright