The Editor, The Times
Dear Sir
On February 10th Korea's 'No. 1 National Treasure' Seoul's South Great Gate, the six hundred year-old Namdaemun, was destroyed by suspected arson. Not only was it Korea's oldest standing gate, it was also a masterpiece of wooden architecture with its graceful curves unequalled in China or Japan. Yet it was besieged on a tiny island in a constant sea of fume-belching traffic, inaccessible to all but tramps and winos.
This is not the first time in recent years that a national wooden monument has been destroyed by arson. I recall about ten years ago a disgruntled monk burned down an ancient temple hall on Chiri-san. England has suffered the Windsor and Cutty Sark fires. What lessons were learned?
I have long felt that these wooden heritage treasures in Korea are not properly protected, cared for, or generally appreciated. Though broadly in Chinese style these buildings are as uniquely Korean as gothic cathedrals in England are English.
Chauvinist hotheads who would purge Korean heritage of all 'foreign' elements, from Chinese characters to the fine old National Museum building destroyed because it was the ex-Japanese HQ, would do well to reflect on this. When pure national purity is achieved they will be looking at a smoking void.
Yours faithfully,
Marnix Wells (Seoul Namsan resident, 1983-1993)
