Five years ago, the unthinkable happened. Someone set fire to Seoul's crown jewel, the ethereal Namdaemum gate.
The beautiful structure was burned due to a crazed arsonist. Its roof and most of its structure were nearly obliterated.
At a cost of millions of dollars, South Korea set about restoring and bringing back to life the incredible landmark.
Five years later the gate has been reopened. Those who have surveyed the work ahead of its inauguration say that it has been restored perfectly to it original state.
The gate, which is 600 years old, is considered the most important artifact in Seoul.
The project cost nearly 25 million dollars, and involved the work of no less than 35,000 people, of which 1,000 were specialized craftsman who used centuries old tools.
Most of the old stones that were salvageable have been recaptured for the project.
The South Korean govt and the citizens of Seoul, are ecstatic that their treasure has been resurrected. It is a symbol of survival some say, as it passed unscathed the terrible Korean war of 1950-53.
Source: France 24/ 4.29.13
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