By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
The restoration of Sungnyemun, Korea's National Treasure No. 1, will begin in 2010. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced details of the restoration plan for Sungnyemun, also known as Namdaemun, Tuesday, 100 days since it was destroyed in an arson attack in February.
Officials said Sungnyemun would be restored to its original structure before Japanese imperial rule. Construction will begin in 2010 and will take three years to finish. Officials estimate the overall cost of restoration will reach 25 billion won ($24 million).
``The gate will be reconstructed in the original shape prior to Japanese imperial rule,'' Yi Kun-moo, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, said.
The restoration of Sungnyemun will be based on detailed drawings made in 2006 and renovation plans for the gate in the 1960s. Most of the original structure was preserved, but the castle walls and parts of the cornerstone were damaged during the Japanese occupation in the early 1900s.
Sungnyemun was built in 1398 as the main southern entrance to the Korean capital. The landmark has survived numerous disasters for over 600 years, only to be burnt down when a 70-year-old man deliberately set it on fire Feb.10.
Yi said there are documents saying there was a pond located within the gate, but they are searching for its location. More historical research will be conducted to make a faithful recreation of Sungnyemun.
Officials also said the restored gate will have disaster prevention equipment, including sensors, closed-circuit television and water sprinklers.
The Korea's Sculptors Forum and the Hankook Ilbo are helping raise funds to support the restoration of Sungnyemun through an exhibition at the Millennium Hilton Hotel featuring 100 sculptures from prominent artists. The works are all on sale, and proceeds will be donated to restore the National Treasure.