We just celebrated the Lunar New Year here in Korea, and unfortunately the new year has begun with sad news for Koreans.
One of the first historical sites Cory and I were shown was Namdaemun Gate, (our photo above) a part of the wall once built around Seoul that was built over 600 years ago. It is in the heart of the city and we have become accustomed to seeing it as we travel downtown for sightseeing, shopping, and church.
Sunday night, after traveling around the circle where Namdaemun sits, we saw on TV that this National Treasure of Korea was on fire. After 2 hours of fighting it, firefighters thought it was under control. Unfortunately, just minutes later flames erupted again and the gate is now destroyed. No one was injured, but arson is suspected.
The pictures below reveal just how devastating the damage is. I read that the cost of rebuilding this historical landmark would be $21 million.
3 comments:
Oh, you guys! That is so sad! I feel as I would if the Statue of Liberty had been destroyed, and it is nowhere near as old as this gate.
Also makes me think of Matthew 24:35. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Aren't you glad we don't worship statues or gates, and though things around us may burn or crumble, we can hold onto the solid rock? :)
I saw the footage on national news last night. What a fire! It is sad to see arsonist destroy such beauty. Take care, Mark Scott
This story was in our Top Story a week or so ago. I told my class that you had been and had taken pictures. I thought it was pretty cool even if the kids didn't.
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