Sungnyemun

Step into history with your child! A family outing to Sungnyemun, the face of Seoul

What is Sungnyemun?

• Sungnyemun is a landmark gate that represents Seoul, and it is also commonly called Namdaemun.
• It was the main southern gate among the Four Great Gates that once surrounded Hanyang, present-day Seoul, during the Joseon Dynasty.
• Completed in 1398, during the 7th year of King Taejo's reign, it boasts more than 600 years of history and is an incredibly precious cultural heritage site designated as National Treasure No. 1 of Korea.

The meaning of Sungnyemun

• Its name means honoring propriety, and in the Confucian Five Elements philosophy, the south symbolizes propriety.
• It was the face of Seoul and a symbol of national pride, used first when the king entered Hanyang, when welcoming guests from outside, and when communicating with the people.

The history of Sungnyemun

• Construction began in 1395 and was completed in 1398, and it later underwent two major repairs in 1447 and 1479.
• The surrounding fortress walls were damaged during the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, and in 2008, a major fire broke out in the second-floor pavilion, but through 5 years of restoration, it regained its original appearance in 2013.
• Today, a small park has been created around it, making it a pleasant place to rest.

Architectural features of Sungnyemun

• It is a two-story structure built on a grand stone platform, with a large rainbow-shaped arched gate in the center.
• Among wooden buildings, it preserves the oldest form in Seoul.
• Originally, fortress walls extended far out on both sides of the gate, serving to protect the capital city of Hanyang, now Seoul.

Visitor information

• Location: 40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
  4 minutes on foot from Exit 4 of Seoul Station on Subway Lines 1 and 4 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, or 6 minutes on foot from Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station on Line 4
• Admission: Free

Things to do at Sungnyemun with your child

• You can see one of Seoul's old city gates with your own eyes.
• You can compare what it looked like during the Joseon Dynasty with the restored Sungnyemun of today and help your child appreciate the value of Korea's cultural heritage.
• You can also take a short break in the nearby park and freely take photos.

Helpful tips for parents and kids

• Since this is an outdoor site rather than an indoor one, be sure to prepare weather-appropriate clothing, hats, and water.
• Many people visit on weekends and holidays, so arriving a little early will help you enjoy a quieter visit.
• Nearby, you can also visit Namdaemun Market, and if you cross past the fortress area, you will find Seoul Station and Myeongdong, making it a great outing route.
• As a famous landmark, it is also included in various stamp tours, so you can install the app and collect a stamp.
• After closing hours, it is also well known for its night lighting, making it a lovely spot for photos.
• There is an informational display about the 2008 Sungnyemun fire, so it can be a good idea to learn a little about Sungnyemun with your child before your visit.
• Guards stand at the entrance, making it a nice photo spot with your child.

Closing

"Sungnyemun is not simply an old gate, but a precious symbol that has protected the history and culture of Korea from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day. As you walk together with your child, you will naturally come across stories of old Seoul, and it is sure to become a memorable family outing for everyone."