National Treasure #1 goes down in history, up in flames

Korea's most well-known national landmark, designated National Treasure #1, was destroyed in a fire Sunday night. The 610 year-old Sungnyemun, better known as Namdaemun Gate, went up in flames in a suspected arson. There's controversy over how the disaster was handled, but the bottom line is the wooden part is history. The stone base still stands, and the government says it will restore the gate to its original design. The gate was modified under Japanese colonial rule.

There was mixed reaction around KBS today in response to the event. Some people seemed absolutely devastated, given the significance of the site being designated a national treasure. Others weren't phased and even suggested the "gate" is rather laughable, the only historic structure among modern sky scrapers and bustling city streets. Apparently there's enough appreciation, however, for the government to agree to a $21 million restoration. The project should be completed in three years.

The aftermath

Yoko, Josh, and me in front of Namdaemun in November, 2007