korea’s no.1 national treasure, namdaemun (south gate) has burnt down completely. 600 years of history once embodied in the gate, gone.

the gate survived the japanese and chinese invasion, the korean war, and numerous attacks  and threats big and small. yes, we did have a 600 year old gate in its original form (early chosun architecture). and no, we didn’t know, at least most of us didn’t, that its insurance plan was one that was cheaper than a little cornershop in seoul suburbia.

and yes, lots to regret, but nothing can be brought back.

sad. VERY sad.

read more about this in this nytimes article