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Fire ravages South Korea landmark Fire ravages South Korea landmark
(about 2 hours later)
Part of a 600-year-old city gate in the South Korean capital, Seoul, has been destroyed by fire in a what may have been an arson attack, police say. A 14th Century gate in the South Korean capital, Seoul, has been destroyed by fire in a what police believe may have been an arson attack.
Namdaemun, or the Great South Gate, was considered to be the country greatest national treasure. Namdaemun, or the Great South Gate, was considered to be the country's greatest national treasure.
Some 360 firefighters fought the blaze, which broke out late on Sunday, but the wooden superstructure collapsed, leaving only the stone base. More than 100 firefighters fought the blaze, which broke out late on Sunday, but the wooden superstructure collapsed, leaving only the stone base.
Two years ago it was re-opened to the public for the first time since 1907.Two years ago it was re-opened to the public for the first time since 1907.
President-elect Lee Myung-bak visited the gate, officially called Sungnyemun or Gate of Exalted Ceremonies, on Monday. President-elect Lee Myung-bak visited the site on Monday, and said simply: "People's hearts will ache."
"People's hearts will ache," he said. 'Heartbreaking'
Officially called Sungnyemun or Gate of Exalted Ceremonies, the gate had served as the main entrance to the city when Seoul became Korea's capital more than 600 years ago.
"It is heartbreaking," said Kim Duk-Il, 40, a visitor from the southern city of Daegu, as the national icon was reduced to ashes.
By morning, only the stone base was left
"It remained okay even during the Korean War," Mr Kim told the AFP news agency, wiping away tears. "Our pride has fallen down."
First constructed in 1398, rebuilt in 1447 and renovated several times since, Namdaemun was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul.
The two-storey wooden structure had been given the status of "National Treasure number one" in 1962.
Initial estimates say the gate will take three years to restore, at a cost of $21m.Initial estimates say the gate will take three years to restore, at a cost of $21m.
The blaze comes less than three years after fire destroyed one of the country's oldest Buddhist temples, Naksan temple, along with its prized bronze bell.