Sungnyemun, popularly known as Namdaemun, has finished its restoration at last.

Sungnyemun was opened to the public on May 4th, and this is the first time since the catastrophic fire which took place in 2008.

The cultural Heritage Administration held a ceremony commemorating the successful reconstruction of Sungnyemun at 2 p.m.

President Park gave a speech about the signification of the resurrection of Sungnyemun, mentioning that it is not simply a restoration of a cultural property, but it is a sign that new time full of hope will come as well. Also, she addressed the newly born Sungnyemun is a creation of every single citizen, and thanked to the people who donated pine trees to plant near the gate, and supplemented about 700 million won for the construction.

Around 700 people, including some of the best artisans in the country who joined the five-year project of reviving Sungnyemun, took part in the celebration.

Sungnyemun will be open to the public every day from 9 a.m. to six p.m except Mondays. During May, the opening hours will be extended by an hour, until 7 p.m.