The Loss of a National Treasure

The Eiffel Tower has been destroyed. France is reeling at the loss of its public face, its beloved centerpiece, a historical landmark known the world around.

Actually, that’s not true. Don’t worry– Eiffel is doing fine. But it’s like that. A beautiful structure, historical and beloved of its country, similar in reputation, has been destroyed. Whereas the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889, this structure was built 500 years earlier in 1398. Yes, that was before Columbus even made his famous voyage to the “new world”.

Korea’s National Treasure no.1 was destroyed in a fire last night– the beautiful Namdaemun gate. This 610 year old gate, officially named Sungneymun, is the remaining Great South Gate from the ancient wall that used to encircle Seoul, the capital of Korea. Namdaemun Gate survived 35 years of Japanese miltary occupation in the early 1900s as well as the Korean War in the 1950s, when the entire city was left in ruins. It’s devastating that now, on a not-so-special night, this ancient landmark should go up in smoke.

I’m surprised at how strongly I feel about it, but it’s the most public symbol of this city that has given me and taught me so much. I love Seoul. I went to see the gate after work tonight to pay my respects. It has been walled off, and already cranes are assembled, hard-hat crews are sifting through the remains, military police are standing guard, and film crews have staked off their plots with the prime camera angles. I am devastated to see Korea receive such a sucker-punch.

I know a gate can be rebuilt. Of course, it won’t be the same wood, the same paint that stood the test of time, but after a few years, it will look the same. More than that, I wonder what this event will mean for Seoul-ites in the near future. Already I’ve heard old resentments rising with blame and racial slurs. There’s also a new, popular but controversial president-elect. It’s a tricky transitional time for Koreans, and I’m sorry that this has become a part of the story. Koreans do not take their pride lightly.

So, here’s to Seoul. May we pull together to mourn the loss of our beloved icon, but may we remember that what it represented still exists. Seoul is alive and thriving. I love this city.

-Jessica

*Read the BBC News story

*See more photos of the gate on our Flickr photo set (all fire images have been culled from internet news sources)