Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate

숭례문

Sungnyemun, also called Namdaemun or the South Great Gate, is the southern gate of the Eight Gates of Seoul. It was part of the Seoul City Wall, which marked the boundary of the capital in the Joseon dynasty. It stands in Jung District between Seoul Station and Seoul Plaza, beside the old Namdaemun Market.

See it on the 3D globe →

At a glance

Country: South Korea
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Built: 1398
Type: Monument

Quick answers

Where is Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate?

Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate is in Seoul, South Korea.

When was Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate built?

Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate was built in 1398.

The historic south gate of Joseon-era Seoul's city wall, once designated National Treasure No. 1.

First built in 1398 and rebuilt in 1447, it is a wood and stone gate with a two-tiered, pagoda-style tiled roof. It was designated South Korea's first National Treasure. The name Sungnyemun means "Honoring Propriety Gate". The gate was designed to guard the south of the city, and the city wall it belonged to stood up to 6.1 metres high.

History

The gate was used to greet foreign envoys and to control entry to the capital. The city wall around Seoul was a stone circuit of about 18.2 kilometres. For centuries the gate was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul. The sign above it is said to have been written by Yangnyeong, a prince, though accounts differ. Its name comes from the five virtues of Confucian thought: the "ye" in Sungnyemun means propriety.

The 2008 fire and restoration

On 10 February 2008, an arson fire severely damaged the wooden pagoda roof on top of the gate. Restoration began in February 2010 and was completed on 29 April 2013. The gate reopened to visitors on 4 May 2013. The rebuilt gate follows its old design, and it was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul until the fire. Next to the gate is the historic 24-hour Namdaemun Market.