Sungnyemun (National Treasure No.1) Memories, Regrets and Tomorrow
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
A year ago, a fire engulfed national treasure No.1, Sungnyemun, which had been with Koreans for more than 600 years.
Covered up and undergoing restoration since the fire, Sungnyemun was on display again for the first time Tuesday. The once dignified presence of the gate was more about steel skeletons, attesting to the ravages of the fire. About 5,000 people showed up, reflecting the public's love for the national treasure.
The restoration work is aimed at not only at rebuilding Sungnyemun as it was before the fire, but its pre-Japanese colonial (1910-1945) form. Public donations of 100-year-old pine trees were made and researchers are hard at work repairing the burnt tablet that hung on the gate.
Restoration is currently focused on historical research, excavation and drawing up a blueprint, which will be done by the end of the year. Construction work is to star next January, with Sungnyemun looking to regain its Joseon Kingdom-era form by 2010.
The Cultural Heritage Administration is holding a special exhibition with hopes of Sungnyemun's perfect restoration. Titled "Sungnyemun-Memories, Regrets and Tomorrow," the exhibit is being held through March 8, featuring pictures and remnants of the gate after the 1960 restoration, snaps from the 2008 fire and a bronze turtle with a dragon-head discovered at the southern tip of Sungnyemun.
