Its Korean name is Namdaemun, officially the Sungnyemun. It was built in 1398 after three years of work as part of a defensive wall around the city of Seoul. Since goods used to flow into the city through here, a bustling market grew up along the adjacent street. Tragically, Namdaemun was heavily damaged by fire on February 10, 2008 and the restoration work is expected to be completed by December 2012. It is designated as National Treasure #1.
