I’m in total shock. Namdaemun is destroyed!
Namdaemun, South Korea’s most prominent national treasure, was destroyed by a fire last February 11.
About 80 firefighters worked to bring the fire under control, and damage to the almost 700-year-old gate is estimated at more than US$20Million. Initial reports indicate no casualties; arson is being studied as a possible cause of the fire.
Namdaemun, literally ‘the great southern gate,’ was the southern gate of the original walls surrounding Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty.
I’m stunned and shocked. I join the international art community in our expressing our sympathies to the people of South Korea.
