Dongnimmun Arch, Seoul

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.32

Category

유적지

Designated year

1963

Location

서대문구, 서울특별시— 서울 서대문구 현저동 941번지

Coordinates

37.572540, 126.959456

Dongnimmun, or Independence Arch, was built in the final years of the 19th century as the symbol of the nation's commitment to independence and to build up national strength through self-reliance. Symbolically enough, it was erected right at the site of the Yeongeunmun Gate where Chinese emissaries were received in ancient times. Yeongeunmun was torn down as part of the country's resistance to foreign intervention. Two of its stone pillars, designated as Historic Site No. 33, stand in front of Dongnimmun. The construction of Dongnimmun was first suggested by Dr. Seo Jaepil in the wake of the 1894 political reforms and was readily agreed to by King Gojong (1863~1907). It was patterned after the Arch of Triumph in Paris. Made of granite, Dongnimmun has the rainbow-shaped Hongnyemun Gate at the center of the structure with a staircase leading to the top at the left. There is a plaque over Hongyemun where plum blossoms -- the symbol of the Yi Dynasty -- are carved in relief. The national flag of Korea is also carved on each side of the letters "Dongnimmun" written in both Korean and Chinese. It was moved to its present location in 1979 due to the construction of Seongsan Bridge.

Location