Then and Now: Dongnimmun Gate

Then:

Dongnipmun Gate (Independence Gate) was constructed in 1898 by Dr. So Jae-pil who prior in 1896 founded Korea’s first private newspaper the “The Independence”. Dr. So built the gate on the site of the Yongunmun Gate, which was the gate that emissaries of the Korean government would meet Chinese delegates and offer Korea’s yearly tribute to the Chinese. Dongnimmun Gate was constructed to resemble Paris’ Arch of Triumph. Years later in the vicinity of the “Independence Gate” the Imperial Japanese colonizers of Korea built the Soedaemun Prison to incarcerate Korean independence fighters.

You can see that 80 years ago the Dongnimmun Gate was in the vicinity of huts and open land. The large home in the background is where the Korean dignitaries would meet and entertain the Chinese delegation that came for their yearly tribute..

Now:

Today you can see that the old Dongnimmun Gate is surrounded by freeways and heavy traffic. It also located adjacent to a popular local park that is also home ot the Soedaemun Prison Museum.