[box_dark]Sungnyemun | 숭례문[/box_dark]

Sungnyemun, a 600-year-old landmark in Seoul, was officially opened to the public on May 4, five years after it was severely damaged by an arson attack. Sungnyemun served as the official main entrance to Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). The walls on both sides of the gate have been rebuilt. In order to make the structure more faithful to its original design, the width of the stairway on its east side has been broadened. The ground level has also been lowered by 30 to 50 centimeters.

Sungnyemun Gate in the 1900s ⓒ Kim Young-taek

EAT>
Nearby Namdaemun Market is the land of opportunity for culinary adventurers looking for Korea’s authentic street-cart snacks.

BUY>
If you cannot find a good buy at Namdaemun Market, head to Seoul Station’s Lotte Mart outlet.

SEE>
It is worth checking out the number of physical improvements cited above.

FYI>
www.sungnyemun.or.kr, Open Tuesday through Sunday (9am–6pm)
(29 Namdaemun-ro 4-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울시 중구 남대문로4가 29)

GO>
City Hall Station 시청역 (Line 1, 2), Exit 8
Seoul Station 서울역 (Line 1, 4, A’REX), Exit 4
Hoehyeon Station 회현역 (Line 4), Exit 5

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© Cultural Herritage Administration

Sungnyemun Gate | 숭례문

After a painstaking multiyear reconstruction effort, Sungnyemun Gate will be unveiled on April, the date the cultural site was destroyed in a fire in 2008. Designated as National Treasure No. 1 of Korea, the historic pagoda-style structure dates back to the 14th century Joseon Dynasty. Sungnyemun Gate served as the official main entrance to Seoul among eight gateways when the capital was a small-walled city in dynastic times. When extant, the gate was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul, even though its base structure, made of granite blocks, survived the arson attack. The gate is located between Seoul Station and Seoul City Plaza in the central area of the capital, with the hallmark 24-hour Namdaemun Market nearby. Namdaemun, meaning “southern gate,” is the old name for Sungnyemun, which literally stands for “Gate of Exalted Ceremonies.”

EAT>
Try the galchi jorim 갈치조림, beltfish boiled in a spicy soup, in the Galchi Jorim Alley of nearby Namdaemun Market.

BUY>
One of Seoul’s two great outdoor markets, Namdaemun Market has just about everything under the sun. The area right by the gate is a good place to go camera shopping.

SEE>
Namdaemun Market is full of unique sights, sounds, and aromas.

FYI>
www.sungnyemun.or.kr (Korean only)

GO>
Seoul Station 서울역 (Line 1), Exit 4. Walk five minutes
(29 Namdaemun-ro 4-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울시 중구 남대문로4가 29)

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