Page 10 - Symbols_of_Identity_Korean_Ceramics_from the Chang Collection

Symbols of Identity the West, Japanese invasions and occupation, the horrors

of war, and the country itself split into North and South.
n 2008, an arsonist destroyed South Korea’s Yet through these times, and as a large bustling city
Number One National Treasure, Namdaemun with skyscrapers and cars developed around it, the Gate
I(Great South Gate) in Seoul. The heartbreak of remained standing as an important cultural monument
this loss for Koreans was incalculable. Officially known for present-day Korea. It was originally conceived and
as Sungnyemun or, “Gate of Exalted Ceremonies,” built as a South Gate to a wall that surrounded the city
the structure was originally built in 1398 at the start of Seoul, which included Dongdaemun (East Gate),
of Korea’s Joseon dynasty and was the oldest wooden Sodaemun (West Gate), and Bukdaemun (North Gate).
building in the city. People gathered around the Gate Namdaemun was an important entryway into the city.
the morning after the blaze to assess the damage and When the surrounding wall was eventually removed at
mourn the loss. One year later, it was reopened to the the turn of the 20 century, its significance changed and
th
public for a one-day exhibition. It was announced that it became a gateway to the past. Namdaemun was not
the Gate would be rebuilt using wood salvaged from just a historical structure of wood and stone however,
the fire. it embodied a culture and symbolized the spirit and
identity of the Korean people.
Namdaemun had survived over 600 years. It had seen
27 different Joseon rulers, the creation of an indigenous Hearing news of the destruction of Namdaemun,
alphabet, the first contact and diplomatic relations with Dr. Chester Chang shared the feelings of his fellow

Namdaemun, November 2006. (Photo by Christopher Lotis)

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