Crime in Korea

Usually, the only mention of crime in Korea is referring to how it is almost non-existent. Unfortunately, last night, there was a BIG crime in Seoul. Arson.

One of my first weekends in Seoul, I visited Sungnaemun (better known as Namdaemun, which means "South Gate"). It was really beautiful. 610 years old, this gate was once the main gate to Seoul. It was the oldest wooden structure in Korea, survived the massive bombings of Seoul during the Korean Civil War and designated National Treasure No. 1.

Sunday night, just before 9pm, someone set Sungnaemun on fire. Around 2am, the gate collapsed. All that's left is the cinder block structure. It's a true loss to the cultural history of Korea.

In 2006, a to-scale blueprint of Sungnaemun was created. The building will be able to be reconstructed to look like, though not be, the original. The government estimates this process will take approximately 3 years and 20 billion Won (around $21,300,000) to repair the gate.

All That's Left