
However, what’s even more disheartening than the fact that it will cost twenty-one million dollars to rebuild this gate, is that now this is now one more historical site that is not in its original form. Unfortunately because South Korea has been invaded many times throughout history, many of its historic sites (and more accurately 90% of its non-religious historic sites) have been destroyed at some or another and especially during the Japanese Colonization Period and Korean War. According to Peter Bartholomew, president of the Korea branch of the Royal Asiatic Society and an expert on Korean architecture, it’s sad that “there’s so little left, it is just heartrending”. Namdaemun Gate was one of Korea's last historic sites in its original form, and as a result it was given the title of South Korea's No. 1 National Treasure, but now like many other historic sites it will have to be restored and rebuilt.
Some of the biggest questions raised as a result of

Since this was one of South Korea’s most beloved historic sites and national treasures it would make sense that it would/should be protected twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week by guards, video cameras, and other special types of equipment used to protect historic sites in other countries. For example in Japan, another country with many historic wooden structures, has taken many measure to protect its national treasures, including “sophisticated sprinklers” which are automatic and will turn on instantly if there’s ever a fire. However, according to David Mason, a professor at Kyung Hee University, “Korea’s preservation efforts are under funded and not enough attended to”. As a result, South Korea’s security system to protect its beloved historic sites fails greatly comparison, which is evident from how badly the fire damaged the gate before firefighters and government officials put it out.
Until it’s rebuilt Namdaemun Gate will remain a symbol, “a reminder of the fragility of Korea’s architectural legacy—and a test of just how serious the 5,000 year old culture is about preserving its remaining historical landmarks.”
{Video Clip: Burning of Namdaemun Gate}