Four “Great Gates” of Seoul: Dongdaemun, Namdaemun, Seodaemun, and Sukjeongmun

Gates of Seoul

It is always been to visit the almost-10.5 million populated city, Seoul, South Korea. Surrounded by 4 gates, namely Dongdaemun in the east, Namdaemun in the south, Seodaemun in the west, and Sukjeongmun in the north, Seoul always welcomes us for every visit. Those gates are the main entrance to Seoul.

The feeling of very warm welcome greeting is so touching that we cannot resist to be quickly get into Seoul, a sensation of curiosity to uncover what lies inside the gigantic wall of those four gates of Seoul are. Symbolizing the protection toward the soul of Korea, those steady walls also remind us to be careful inside, to respect the long life culture lived by the Seoul residents.

Officially called Sungnyemun, Namdaemun is located at the heart of Seoul. The term “nam” in its first Korean character means “south” since it was the southern gate of Seoul during the kingdom of Joseon Dynasty. Finished to be constructed in 1398, nowadays Namdaemun is located nearby Namdaemun market, a very traditional 24-hour market of Korea that has been operating for several centuries.

Namdaemun

Another major gate during the Joseon Dynasty is Dongdaemun, “Great East Gate”, deriving the meaning “east” after the term “dong” in Korean language. Similar to the Namdemun, Dongdaemun has also a shopping center nearby it. Moreover, Dongdaemun has become the largest shopping center in the entire South Korea.

Dongdaemun

Located in north side of Seoul City, Sukjeongmun is another major gate of Seoul. In the center of this very gate, there is Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changaemun on its right. Due to safety reason, the gate was not accessible to public since 1968. However, in 2006, it was reopened to public for free, available to be visited from Tuesday until Saturday with reservation required at least one week beforehand.

Sukjeongmun

Unlike other gates, Seodaemun doesn’t exist anymore today. It was located (as its name) in the west side of old Seoul. However, because of urban renewal plan by the government in 1915, the gate was torn down. As remembrance to its existence, a small plaque is placed on a small walk nearby to the location of the gate before, to keep people’s mind that this Seodaemun gate was there before.

Seodaemun, in the Ancient View

Wish you guys like this post.

best regards
~nasikun