Sungnyemun gate to open to public after 3 years of restoration work

By Park Sae-jin Posted : April 26, 2013, 09:50 Updated : April 26, 2013, 09:50
Sungnyemun, a 14th century cultural relic which was destroyed in an arson attack five years ago, will open to the public soon after three years of restoration work, officials said.

The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) allowed media access to the restoration site on Feb. 14.

Briefing reporters on the restoration of Sungnyemun, also known as Namdaemun (South Gate), at the site, Kim Chan, chief of the agency, said that about 96 percent of the restoration work has been completed so far.

Kim said the gate will open to the public at an "appropriate" date after April.

Work to restore Sungnyemun, which has been designated as the National Treasure No. 1, began in January 2010, two years after the upper part of the gate made of wood and stone was destroyed in the arson attack by an elderly man in February 2008.
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