Sungnyemun Gate

Sungnyemun is the southern main gate of the Joseon Dynasty fortress wall, located at Namdaemun-ro 4-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul. It is also called Namdaemun as it is situated at the southernmost of the four main gates. It is a symbol of Seoul and the oldest existing wooden structure in Seoul, designated as a National Treasure on December 20, 1962. Among Seoul's four main gates, it is the largest in scale and features a vertically written plaque. It was first built in 1396 (the 5th year of King Taejo of Joseon) and rebuilt in February 1398. A large-scale repair was conducted in 1479 (the 10th year of King Seongjong). It survived the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) and the Manchu invasion (Byeongja Horan), serving as the main gate of Hanyang for centuries. In 1907, it became a site of battle due to the Japanese imperialist disbandment of the Korean army, and in the same year, the fortress wall connected to Sungnyemun was demolished under the pretext that the Japanese crown prince could not pass under the gate without bowing his head, marking a tragic history. In 2006, the gate, which had been left isolated without the connecting wall, was restored to its original form through a restoration project. On February 10, 2008, a fire partially burned the first-floor gate tower and destroyed the second-floor gate tower. After various studies for recovery and restoration, a restoration ceremony was held on May 4, 2013, and it was reopened to the public. The structure consists of a high stone masonry base with a rainbow-shaped arched gate in the center, topped by a two-story pavilion-style building measuring 5 kan (bays) in front and 2 kan on the sides. The roof, when viewed from the front, has a trapezoidal shape, known as a hipped roof (ujingak jibung). The bracket system supporting the eaves is decorated on top of the pillars and also between the pillars, in the dapo style, with gentle curves and solid construction, well reflecting the characteristics of the early Joseon period. According to the 'Jibong yuseol,' the plaque of Sungnyemun was written by Grand Prince Yangnyeong, the eldest son of King Taejong.