By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
To mark the 100th day since the tragic destruction of Sungnyemun, Korea's national treasure No.1, Korean sculptors have joined together to help restore the cultural artifact.
Korea's Sculptors Forum and the Hankook Ilbo are holding the ``Korean 100 Sculptors Exhibition'' at a special exhibition hall on the first floor of the Millennium Hilton Hotel, May 19-June 20.
In an effort to raise awareness and funds to support the restoration of the gate, the exhibition will feature 100 sculptures from 100 prominent artists and also four works by photographer Kim Jung-man. The sculptures will go on special auction on opening day May 19 at 6 p.m. at the Millennium Hilton; but buyers will collect the items they purchase after the close of the exhibition. Interested buyers can purchase the works throughout the exhibition.
All 100 works will be on sale and the proceeds will be donated to support the restoration.
Sungnyemun, also known as Namdaemun, was built in 1398 as the main southern entrance to the capital and had survived numerous disasters for over 600 years. The gate was burnt down when a 70-year-old man deliberately set it on fire Feb.10.
The Millennium Hilton Hotel is located near exit 9 of Seoul Station of subway line 1.