Independence Gate
Independence Gate () or Dongnimmun is a memorial gate in Seoul, South Korea. Its construction was planned by Soh Jaipil in the late 19th century, as a symbol of Korea's commitment to independence. It was designated as a Historic Site of South Korea in 1963, and relocated 70m northwest from the original location in 1979 for preservation. Dongnimmun measures 14.28 meters in height and 11.48 meters in width, and is made of approximately 1,850 pieces of granite. History

Background

In early 1895, the Government of Joseon abandoned its long-standing diplomatic policy of sadae. Under sadae, Joseon treated China as its superior in geopolitics. To celebrate this change, the Government of Joseon demolished Yeongeunmun in February 1895, which they had built in 16th century as a symbolic gate for welcoming Chinese diplomats to the country. And in March 1895, the Joseon Government was formally released from China's sphere of influence with the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki at the end of the First Sino-Japanese War. Soh Jaipil proposed the building a new gate near the former site of Yeongeunmun's ruins to symbolize the country's desire for freedom. This plan was approved by King Gojong, and the gate was named Independence Arch (). Plan for construction
To support construction of the gate, Soh created the Independence Club and published Korea's first modern newspaper named Tongnip Sinmun. Regular citizens of Joseon donated to the construction of the gate via a public campaign run by the newspaper. Soh wrote the following in the English edition of that newspaper:

Construction and relocation 
The design of Independence Gate was inspired by the design of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. An unknown Swiss architect working for the German legation in Joseon created the blueprint for its construction. Its construction began in 1896, and finished in January 1898. The construction process was overseen by Korean engineer named . Subsequent history 
The Government of South Korea designated it as a historic site of South Korea in 1963. The gate was initially located north of the ruins of Yeongeunmun, but was relocated 70 meters northwest from its original place with Plinths of Yeongeunmun Gate, Seoul, due to construction of a modern city road. It is now located in Seodaemun Independence Park, where Dongnimmun is located, is easily accessed from Exit 4 or 5 of Dongnimmun Station on Seoul Subway Line 3. Gallery

See also
 
Yeongeunmun Gate
Plinths of Yeongeunmun Gate, Seoul
Joseon Dynasty
Korean Empire
First Sino-Japanese War
Treaty of Shimonoseki
Soh Jaipil
Independence Club
Tongnip Sinmun
Seodaemun Independence Park
Dongnimmun station

References

External links
 Dongnimmun Arch, Seoul (Cultural Heritage Administration Official site in English)

Historic Sites of South Korea
1890s establishments in Korea
Korean Empire
Soh Jaipil
Triumphal arches
Gates in South Korea
Buildings and structures in Seodaemun District
Buildings and structures completed in 1898
Relocated buildings and structures
History of Seoul