The wooden part of the gate was destroyed by fire on February 10, 2008.[1]
According to some witnesses, the fire was incendiary.
The identity of the arsonist is not yet known, but a taxi driver in the area observed a male approximately 50 years of age climb to the second floor with a lighted bag and run from the area.
At approximately 8:50pm on 10 February 2008 a fire broke out and burned down the wooden structure at the top of the Namdaemun gate. Over three hundred fire fighters fought to bring the flames under control. There were no injuries reported.
As of Feburary 11, police are investigating possible causes of the fire. The cause was originally suspected as accidental, however many witnesses have reported seeing a suspicious man shortly before the fire, and two disposable lighters were found where the fire was believed to have started.[2] Officials are now also investigating the possibility of arson.[3]
[Pum]
This dreadful accident should not happen anymore...
