namdaemun national treasure

BBC In Pictures has a photo up today of the burned down Namdaemun Gate in Seoul. It was the number one national treasure, and some old guy set in on fire this week because he was angry at the government over a land dispute. Apparently, he had tried to attack various other national treasures, such as the old palace, but failed because of security. Unfortunately for the Korean people, this time he succeeded.

When I was in Seoul, I went to see this gate, and it was pretty impressive - most things that are 600 years old are. I envy countries whose history goes back so far and who have managed to keep it somewhat preserved. Sadly, the Namdaemun Gate will probably never again look like it did when I saw it that night in March two years ago.