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

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 between Seoul Station and Seoul Plaza, with the historic 24-hour Namdaemun Market next to the gate.

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 by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). Additions to the list are decided by the Cultural Heritage Committee.

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.