The Namdaemun gate in Seoul, the first of South Korea's National Treasures, was severely damaged by arson.

Namdaemun

Old south gate of Seoul, South Korea

Namdaemun, a.k.a. the Sungnyemun, is one of the Eight Gates in the Seoul City Wall, South Korea. The gate formed the original southern boundary of the city during the Joseon period, although the city has since significantly outgrown this boundary. It is located in Jung District…

National Treasure (South Korea)

National Treasure (Korean: 국보) is a national-level designation within the heritage preservation system of South Korea for tangible objects of significant artistic, cultural and historical value. Examples of objects include art, artifacts, sites, or buildings. It is administered…

2008 Namdaemun fire

Arson attack in Seoul, South Korea

On February 10, 2008, an arsonist set fire to the historic Namdaemun gate in Seoul, South Korea, causing severe damage to the 550-year-old structure. The monument was restored and reopened to the public in 2013.