BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Seoul landmark fire

BBC NEWS / IN PICTURES
Graphics Version BBC Sport Home

Monday, 11 February 2008, 08:44 GMT

In pictures: Seoul landmark fire

Firefighters battle a blaze at Namdaemun, Seoul, 11 February 2008

1 of 6
A 14th Century gate widely seen as South Korea's most treasured attraction has been ravaged by a fire that broke out late on Sunday.

Namdaemun, Seoul, 11 February 2008

2 of 6
Namdaemun, or the Great South Gate, was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul. It served as the city's main entrance when it became South Korea's capital more than 600 years ago.

Firefighters battle a blaze at Namdaemun, Seoul, 11 February 2008

3 of 6
More than 100 firefighters tried to extinguish the blaze, firing hoses from every angle.

Namdaemun, Seoul, 11 February 2008

4 of 6
But their efforts were not enough to prevent the two-storey superstructure crumbling as the flames ripped through it.

Namdaemun, Seoul, 11 February 2008

5 of 6
By Monday morning, only the stone base of the gate was left. According to initial estimates, it will take three years and $21m to restore.

Namdaemun, Seoul, 11 February 2008

6 of 6
South Koreans spoke of their anguish at losing the gate, which was re-opened to the public two years ago for the first time since 1907.

E-mail this to a friend