After five years and three months of restoration costing KRW25 billion($22.5 million), the National Treasure No.1, which served as the South Gate of the capital city during the Joseon dynasty(1392~1910), has opened to the public on May 5th.
On May 4th, a grand celebration was held all the way from Sungnyemun to Gwanghwamun Plaza in central Seoul from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

At the main event, the organizers reported the completion of the construction to the "great figure in the sky" and unveil the signboard of the gate that is a restored version of calligraphy by Prince Yangnyeong(1394-1462). This was followed by the opening of the gate and a procession of royal palanquin containing postcards from the people expressing hopes for future of the gate and the country to Gwanghwamun Plaza.

(Article from Korea Herald by Bae Ji-Sook / Picture : Korea Presidential Residence "Chungwadae")