Where is Namdaemun?

Last night, one of Korea's most symbolic structures was burned down. Namdaemun, the 600-year-old historic South Gate of the city of Seoul was completely destroyed (except for the granite base) in 5 hours.

Asking my Korean friends and colleagues about this... well, they are very sad to say the least. All items of cultural or historical significance are numbered (you might pass something in a museum or temple with a label like "Cultural Property #412" on it) - and Namdaemun was #1. Also, given that so many of Korea's structures, palaces and temples had to be rebuilt following occupation and destruction by the Japanese, it must hurt doubly to know that this fire was deliberately set. Word on the street is that it was done by an older Korean man.... but who knows for sure? I just hope that it wasn't set by a foreigner, since the last thing we need is any more bad press.

I think this image, from a Korean website, best shows the size and scope of the destruction. Yes, those are city buses driving past. By the way, the title of this blog refers to a chapter in my Grade 5 textbook.