Sungnyemun Gate
Also called Namdaemun, this was the great southern gate of Seoul's old city wall. A wooden pavilion stands on a stone base.
Why choose this place
For old and new Seoul in one scene: compare the stone arch and wooden gatehouse with surrounding modern buildings.
Make the most of your visit
Look at the arched passage and layered roof together, then compare them with the modern buildings nearby.
Stories from the record
Entering the capital from the south
Construction began in 1396 and finished in 1398. Its name refers to the Confucian virtue of propriety. Now surrounded by roads, it once joined the city wall and controlled passage between inside and outside.
The city had closing hours
The gate closed at night and reopened in the morning. Kings also performed rituals here during severe rain or drought. It was both a defensive structure and a place tied to daily routines and state ceremonies.
Rebuilding after the fire
Arson badly damaged the wooden structure in 2008; restoration finished in 2013. The building embodies efforts to continue traditional materials and techniques. The attribution of its nameboard to Prince Yangnyeong is a tradition, not a firmly established fact.
Sources
Before you go
Opening hours and closing days can change, so check the official information before visiting.