In pictures: Seoul landmark fire (BBC 서울 숭례문 전소 사진)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7238302.stm

A 14th Century gate widely seen as South Korea's most treasured attraction has been ravaged by a fire that broke out late on Sunday.

 

Namdaemun, or the Great South Gate, was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul. It served as the city's main entrance when it became South Korea's capital more than 600 years ago.

 

More than 100 firefighters tried to extinguish the blaze, firing hoses from every angle.

 

But their efforts were not enough to prevent the two-storey superstructure crumbling as the flames ripped through it.

 

By Monday morning, only the stone base of the gate was left. According to initial estimates, it will take three years and $21m to restore.

 

South Koreans spoke of their anguish at losing the gate, which was re-opened to the public two years ago for the first time since 1907.