Celebrations to mark restoration of ancient gate due for May 4

The Cultural Heritage Administration said Sunday that it invites citizens to attend celebrations on May 4 to mark the restoration of a Joseon-era gate destroyed in an arson attack in February 2008.

The office said an official ceremony and other celebrations will begin at 2 p.m. May 4 at the restored Sungnyemun gate and adjacent Sejong-ro and Gwanghwamun areas in central Seoul.

The Sungnyemun gate, the National Treasure No. 1, and three other gates surrounded Hanyang (now Seoul), capital of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).

The office originally planned to complete work to restore the Sungnyemun gate, also known as the Namdaemun (South) gate, in late December last year, but completion was delayed because of unusually cold weather and heavy snowfalls.

Completion is due for April 30, the office said.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com