The Eight Gates of Seoul
The gates were constructed between 1396 and 1398, and allowed access to the city, which was surrounded by the Fortress Wall during the Joseon period.
The Eight Gates were based roughly in the four cardinal and four intermediate directions of the compass.
Memorials are currently placed roughly where the West and Southwest gates once stood (July 2012).
On February 10, 2008, the South Gate was severely damaged in a fire set by an arsonist.
Official names and spellings are taken from signage currently found at and on the gates themselves.
Thus, the character for "gate" (mun, 門) may appear either on the left or right side of actual signboards.
Locations of the Eight Gates (marks in a circle)
Changuimun Gate, Seoul, Korea
Changuimun Gate, rear view, Seoul, Korea
Sukjeongmun Gate, Seoul, Korea
Sukjeongmun Gate, rear view, Seoul, Korea
Hyehwamun Gate, Seoul, Korea
Hyehwamun Gate, detail, Seoul, Korea
Heunginjimun Gate, Seoul, Korea
Heunginjimun Gate, side view, Seoul, Korea
Gwanghuimun Gate, Seoul, Korea
Gwanghuimun Gate, with Fortress Wall, Seoul, Korea
Sungnyemun Gate, Seoul, Korea. Front of gate, photographed April, 2013
Sungnyemun Gate, Seoul, Korea. Rear of gate, photographed April, 2013
Souimun Gate historical image, Seoul, Korea
Souimun Gate marker, Seoul, Korea
Donuimun Gate, Seoul, Korea
Donuimun Gate Memorial, Seoul, Korea
