Exhibit to Restore Sungnyemun Opens
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Korean sculptors, dignitaries and celebrities have joined the efforts to restore Sungnyemun ― also known as Namdaemun ― Korea's National Treasure No.1, at the opening ceremony of the ``Korean 100 Sculptors Exhibition'' Monday, the 100th day after it was destroyed in an arson attack.
The exhibition hosted by Korea's Sculptors Forum and the Hankook Ilbo, a sister company of The Korea Times, opened in a special hall on the first floor of the Millennium Seoul Hilton Hotel, and will continue until June 20.
Hundreds of dignitaries including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the ceremony.
Hankook Ilbo President Lee Jong-seung and Korea's Sculptors Forum President Yuon Je-dong delivered the opening speeches to mark the 100th day of the fire at the gate.
To boost fund raising to support the restoration, the exhibition features 100 sculptures from 100 prominent artists and four works of photographer Kim Joong-man.
All 100 works are on sale and the proceeds will be donated to restore the National Treasure.
Sungnyemun 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.