Sukjeongmun (; also known as North Gate) is one of the
Eight Gates of Seoul
The Eight Gates of Seoul are eight historical gates that were located in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. Six of these gates exist today (2018). All eight gates were originally built betwee ...
in the
Fortress Wall of
Seoul
Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 ...
,
South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and sharing a Korean Demilitarized Zone, land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed ...
, which surrounded the city in the
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon (; ; Middle Korean: 됴ᇢ〯션〮 Dyǒw syéon or 됴ᇢ〯션〯 Dyǒw syěon), officially the Great Joseon (; ), was the last dynastic kingdom of Korea, lasting just over 500 years. It was founded by Yi Seong-gye in July 1392 and re ...
. The gate is also known as Bukdaemun (, “North Big Gate”). It was built north of Seoul behind Gyeongbokgung Place. It was rarely used. It was only used in ceremonious and symbolic functions. In order to visit, identification such as a passport is required for access.
History
Sukjeongmun was originally built in 1396, and was originally called Sukcheongmun (肅淸門), but its name was modified slightly to its current name (肅靖門) in the early 16th century. Being situated so close to the
Royal Palace of the Joseon Dynasty, it was rarely used for receiving visitors, and had more of a ceremonious function. The original wooden gatehouse over the gate was destroyed by fire, and the current gatehouse dates from 1976.
The name Sukjeongmun means literally “Rule Solemnly Gate.” It is one of the Four Great Gates (사대문) in the Fortress Wall of Seoul.
Preservation
After the infiltration of North Korean agents during the
Blue House Raid in 1968, both the gate and the surrounding area were closed off for security reasons. They were opened again for public touring by 2007.
However, the area is still a highly secured area, patrolled by South Korean Army soldiers. Visiting Sukjeongmun today (2012) requires identification and issuing of a pass. Pictures of army soldiers or pictures facing south (toward the Presidential
residence
A residence is a place (normally a building) used as a home or dwelling, where people reside.
Residence may more specifically refer to:
* Domicile (law), a legal term for residence
* Habitual residence, a civil law term dealing with the status ...
) are not allowed at the gate or while hiking along the northern portion of the
Fortress Wall.
Image gallery
Sukjeongmun Gate, rear view, Seoul, Korea.jpg, Sukjeongmun Gate, back of gate, viewed from south
Sukjeongmun Signboard, Seoul, Korea.jpg, Sukjeongmun signboard of gate, viewed from north
Sukjeongmun and Fortress Wall, Seoul, Korea.jpg, Viewed from the north, showing incorporation into the Fortress Wall
Sukjeongmun Gatehouse, Seoul, Korea.jpg, Wooden gatehouse, above the stone gate
Sukjeongmun Door, Seoul, Korea.jpg, Door, photographed from within the gate
Inside Sukjeongmun Gate, Seoul, Korea.jpg, Photo taken from inside gate, looking north
See also
*
Bugaksan
Bugaksan is a mountain north of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, also known as Baegaksan. Inwangsan, Naksan, and Namsan are the mountains that surround the Seoul Basin. The bedrock is granite and is about 342m high.
See also
*List of mountains in ...
*
Bukhansan
Bukhansan (, ), or Bukhan Mountain, is a mountain on the northern periphery of Seoul, South Korea. There are three major peaks, Baegundae , Insubong , Mangyeongdae . Because of its height and the fact that it borders a considerable portion of the ...
References
{{Eight Gates of Seoul
Buildings and structures completed in 1396
Gates in Korea
Gates in South Korea
Buildings and structures in Seoul
History of Seoul