We woke up this morning to the news that South Korea's number one national treasure, the Namdaemun Gate, was destroyed by fire. They suspect it was arson. A quote from the Asian media; "With this fire, our national pride was burned down as well," said Lee Kyung Sook, top aide to the president-elect, Lee Myung Bak, who rushed to the scene of the blaze Monday.
On a personal note, we had the opportunity to see this great gate while we were in Seoul to bring Sophie home. It was right outside bustling Namdaemun market...we actually just stumbled upon it as it just lies right in the center of traffic and metropolitan buildings. We also got to see the changing of the guards while visiting. The first photo on this post was one we took on that bright, beautiful November day in 2006...our very first day spent in Seoul. What a shame that we won't get to see it again when we go back for number 2. What a shame that Sophie will never see such a treasured national landmark of her birthcountry.
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