Dongdaemun

Infobox Korean name

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hangul = 동대문 "also" 흥인지문
hanja = 東大門 "also" 興仁之門
rr = Dongdaemun "also" Heunginjimun
mr = Tongdaemun "also" Hŭnginjimun

Dongdaemun — more properly known as Heunginjimun (Gate of Rising Benevolence)— is a prominent landmark in central Seoul, South Korea. The Korean name "Dongdaemun" means "Great East Gate," and it was so named because it was the major eastern gate in the wall that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is located at Jongno 6-ga in Jongno-gu.

Since the South Gate (Namdaemun) was set on fire on February 10 2008, Dongdaemun is one of only two main gates that have survived, the other being the North Gate or Bukdaemun (more formally Sukjeongmun). One more minor gate known as Changuimun also still stands, bringing the total number of surviving gates to three. The West Gate (Seodaemun) was demolished earlier.

The structure was first built by King Taejo during his fifth year of reign (1396). It was renovated in 1453, and the current structure is the one rebuilt in 1869.

hopping district

Today, the area around Dongdaemun known as Dongdaemun Market includes upmarket shopping districts as well as several underground shops, stalls and markets that are open for much of the day. It has grown into the largest shopping center in South Korea.

ee also

*Dongdaemun Station
*List of upscale shopping districts

External links

* [http://www.seoulstyle.com/whereshop.htm Shopping districts in Seoul]
* [http://www.dongdaemun.com/ Dongdaemun Shopping Center]