Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 10:11:51 AM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Fire Destroys Seoul Landmark

Posted Feb 11, 08 3:10 AM CST in World 

(Newser) – A cherished South Korean landmark has been destroyed in a arsonist's fire, reports Reuters. A 610-year-old Seoul structure known as Namdaemun, or "Great South Gate," and regarded as the country's top national treasure collapsed after burning for hours last night. Police are searching for a man who they believed broke into the wood-and-stone structure to torch the landmark.

The arch, also known as the "Gate of Exalted Ceremonies," was built in 1398 and was the main southern entrance for Seoul when it was a walled city. "From what we can see, except for the pillars on the first floor, the gate has been completely burned down," said an official.

Source Reuters

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • UK Millionaire Set Fire After Killing Family

    Sep 2, 08 6:35 PM CDT
    UK Millionaire Set Fire After Killing Family Police have found the body of a UK millionaire inside the charred remains of his mansion, the Guardian reports. Authorities now believe Christopher Foster fatally shot his wife and teenage daughter, along with three family horses and four dogs, early on Aug. 26 before setting the house ablaze and turning the gun on himself. More »

  • Fire Guts Mansion of Texas Governor

    Jun 8, 08 7:30 PM CDT
    Texas officials are crying arson after a fire ripped through the Texas Governor's Mansion today, the Austin-American Statesman reports. Flames gutted parts of the building and damaged the roof, but destroyed no artifacts, as the building had been emptied for renovations. Gov. Rick Perry and President Bush expressed their grief while state officials vowed to obtain security video and catch the arsonist. More »

  • 50 Cent Home Engulfed in 'Suspicious' Fire

    May 30, 08 9:08 AM CDT
    50 Cent Home Engulfed in 'Suspicious' Fire The multimillion-dollar, lawsuit-entangled New York home from which rapper 50 Cent was attempting to evict his son and baby mama went up in “definitely suspicious” flames early this morning, Newsday reports. An eyewitness told Newsday that the 32-year-old’s ex, Shaniqua Tompkins, and 10-year-old son were among six in the sprawling Long Island estate who suffered smoke inhalation. "She was all right," he said, adding: "But she was angry." More »

  • Arsonist May Have Set Fla. Fires

    May 13, 08 4:53 PM CDT
    Arsonist May Have Set Fla. Fires Fires that have raged across Florida over the last 2 days may have been deliberately set, Gov. Charlie Crist said today. Investigators have pointed to the fact that many of the blazes in different places sprang up at once as evidence of arson, CNN reports. Almost 100 homes have been damaged by the fires, which authorities say are now mostly contained. More »

South Korea's No. 1 national treasure Namdaemun breaks down as firefighters extinguish a fire in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. About 80 firefighters were fighting to bring the blaze under...   (Associated Press)
A South Korean firefighter attempts to extinguish a fire at South Korea's "No. 1 national treasure" Namdaemun in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. About 80 firefighters were fighting to bring...   (Associated Press)
South Korea's No. 1 national treasure Namdaemun break down as firefighters extinguish a fire in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. About 80 firefighters were fighting to bring the blaze under...   (Associated Press)
South Korean police officers stand guard in front of the destroyed South Korea's No. 1 national treasure Namdaemun in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. An overnight fire destroyed the 610-year-old...   (Associated Press)
South Korea's "No. 1 national treasure" Namdaemun break down as firefighters extinguish a fire in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. About 80 firefighters were fighting to bring the blaze under...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Landmark Razed

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

arson • fire • arsonist


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »