Lets Restore Sungnyemun

Sungnyemun, Korea’s National Treasure No.1 that is better known as Namdaemun had withstood wars and turbulent history. The iconic landmark has a lump of ash remains where it had stood in the heart of Seoul for more than 600 years. Its collapse deeply saddens the nation and scratches the hearts of its people. The sadness and guilt of posterity for failing to preserve a previous cultural heritage will only grow deeper with time.

But we cannot afford to stay idle as we get mired in guilt, or as we argue over who should be called to account. Its time to steadily prepare for the restoration of Sungnyemun.

The Hankook Ilbo and The Korea Times will start a “Have a Photo of Sungnyemun” campaign to restore the significant gate. The photos were taken in October 2007 and show the magnificent beauty of Sungnyemun.

For those who donate 1,000 won, we will send a postcard that bears a photo of Sungnyemun taken by renowned photographer Kim Jung-man and for 3,000 won or more, we will send a copy of the desktop-size photo. Institutional customers can purchase them in bulk, which will be available with special frames.

To receive the photo, don’t forget to register your address at the campaign’s homepage at namdaemun.hankooki.com or call in with your address, after sending the money.

Your participation in our campaign will make a contribution to rebuilding the Sungnyemun. All returns from the campaign will go for the restoration project. We solicit your active participation.