Namdaemun, City gate and monument in Kaesong, North Korea
Namdaemun is a city gate and monument in Kaesong with a stone foundation supporting a wooden pavilion featuring traditional Korean architectural details and decorative roof tiles. The structure displays classical design elements from the Koryo and early Joseon periods.
Construction of this gate began in 1391 at the end of the Koryo period and was completed in 1393 under the Joseon dynasty. The structure endured damage from conflict in the 20th century but was reconstructed to preserve its form.
The gate houses the Yŏnbok Bell, a 14-tonne bronze bell cast in 1346 that marked time for the city for centuries. This bell shaped the daily rhythm of residents and remained a central point of the cityscape throughout its active years.
This was originally one of seven city gates of ancient Kaesong and remains the only one maintaining its primary architectural form today. Visitors should allow time for a leisurely walk around the structure to appreciate the craftsmanship and overall design.
The wooden pavilion we see today dates from 1954 and replaces the original structure that was destroyed during conflict. This reconstruction demonstrates how craftspeople used traditional techniques to restore the building for future generations.
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