400-Year History Changdeokgung Donhwamun Gate to Undergo Restoration and Maintenance by 2027
Structural Members with Roof Cracks and Deformation
Reinforcement or Replacement with 10.5 Billion Won
Temporary Entrance Changed to Kumho Gate
The Cultural Heritage Administration's Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters announced on the 25th that Donhwamun Gate of Changdeokgung Palace will be repaired and restored by July 2027. With a budget of 10.5 billion KRW, the upper and lower parts will be dismantled, and components with cracks and deformations will be reinforced or replaced.
The Cultural Heritage Administration identified structural issues with Donhwamun through a special inspection in 2014. Since then, it has been selected as a priority management target and regularly inspected.
An official explained, "Additional partial deformations were confirmed in the main roof components, and tiles have loosened," adding, "After deliberations by the Cultural Heritage Committee and the Repair Technology Committee, construction has commenced."
Donhwamun is the main gate of Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in the 12th year of King Taejong's reign (1412). It was destroyed by fire during the Imjin War but was rebuilt in the first year of King Gwanghaegun's reign (1608) as a two-story building with five bays at the front and two bays on the sides. It is the oldest existing palace main gate and was designated a national treasure by the Cultural Heritage Administration in 1963.
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During the construction period, the entrance to Changdeokgung will be changed to Geumhomun Gate on the west side, and the exit will be changed to Sobangmun Gate next to Geumhomun Gate. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "To minimize visual disruption caused by the construction and improve the viewing environment, we plan to install art fences (construction barriers enhanced with design and artistic elements) using eco-friendly design steel plates."
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