We went over to see the Naedaemun Gate today and were astonished to see what has transpired since the fire.
To begin with, the entire gate is surrounded by a huge wall. You can get a sense of the size of thing from the vehicles in front of it and the cranes operating behind it.
This fence was put up since the fire less than a week ago. This was a huge endeavor. The base of it is a concrete footing of impressive size.
They did leave a large glassed area so people could watch the work.
One interesting touch was the photo of the gate erected in front of the viewing area for the disaster.
There were a lot of people there, a huge crowd taking pictures, signing the many banners and books, laying white flowers at the base of the wall. (White is the color of mourning in Korea).
Most people were very somber, I saw more than a few crying and many more praying. It was unexpectedly moving. I wanted to see the gate out of a basic morbid curiosity in disaster, and instead came away quite saddened by the experience. And surprised by that.
There was a truck with loudspeakers playing some kind of chanting prayer. The effect was powerful. This crappy footage doesn't really relay it, but gives you some idea.
Skye dug up a picture of agi and I in front of the gate back in October. She was quite wee at the time. I'm glad we took this and other pictures since it is gone now.
(If you look closely at the picture you can see that Lark is screaming at top volume).
The market was packed and operating as ever on a sunny (if frigid) saturday. That market has been running for 400 years after all, though the gate was around for 200 years before even that.
To begin with, the entire gate is surrounded by a huge wall. You can get a sense of the size of thing from the vehicles in front of it and the cranes operating behind it.
This fence was put up since the fire less than a week ago. This was a huge endeavor. The base of it is a concrete footing of impressive size.
They did leave a large glassed area so people could watch the work.
One interesting touch was the photo of the gate erected in front of the viewing area for the disaster.
There were a lot of people there, a huge crowd taking pictures, signing the many banners and books, laying white flowers at the base of the wall. (White is the color of mourning in Korea).
Most people were very somber, I saw more than a few crying and many more praying. It was unexpectedly moving. I wanted to see the gate out of a basic morbid curiosity in disaster, and instead came away quite saddened by the experience. And surprised by that.
There was a truck with loudspeakers playing some kind of chanting prayer. The effect was powerful. This crappy footage doesn't really relay it, but gives you some idea.
Skye dug up a picture of agi and I in front of the gate back in October. She was quite wee at the time. I'm glad we took this and other pictures since it is gone now.
(If you look closely at the picture you can see that Lark is screaming at top volume).
The market was packed and operating as ever on a sunny (if frigid) saturday. That market has been running for 400 years after all, though the gate was around for 200 years before even that.
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