For a long time, the Joseon Dynasty continued its diplomatic policy with the Late Chinese Empires in an arrangement respecting the political influence of China.

[1] Located at the current northwestern part of Seoul, South Korea, the Yeongeunmun was one of Joseon's material symbols of Sadae.

It was then reconstructed into a new gate in 1537, and became notorious[citation needed] after it was officially named as Yeongjomun (영조문; 迎詔門) by Jungjong of Joseon, literally in meaning of "Gate" (문; 門; Mun) "welcoming" (영; 迎; Yeong) "messages from China" (조; 詔; Jo).

So in February 1895, during a period called the Gabo Reform, the Gaehwa Party demolished Yeongeunmun to show Joseon's enthusiasm of independence around the world.

[6] Meanwhile, Soh Jaipil, a Korean-American political activist supporting independence of Joseon, planned the building of a new gate near the ruins of a demolished Yeongeunmun to symbolize the independent status of Joseon and his plan eventually obtained support from King Gojong.