24 hours after camden market, on the other side of the world

[Gareth Hughes]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7238302.stm

The oldest timber building in Seoul succumbs.

 

[Nemesis]

Depressing.

 

[Penners]

Camden is a sad loss, but perhaps not the treasure that this is.

 

[Nemesis]

Apparently arson, by a man with a grudge.

Man burned 14th-century monument in land protest
A 69-year-old man has admitted starting the fire in Seoul that destroyed one of South Korea's most treasured landmarks, police said yesterday. The fire broke out on Sunday and burned down the wooden structure at the top of the 14th-century Namdaemun gate, once part of the city walls. Police said the man used paint thinner to set the structure alight, in a protest at the level of compensation he received from a developer which bought land from him near Seoul. The Cultural Heritage Administration said it would take three years and 20 billion won (£10.7m) to restore the monument.

Guardian today.

 

[Flyfisher]

Evil developers again :wink:

Judging by the news coverage there didn't seem much to 'restore', although I'm sure they can, and will, build a facsimile. Very sad.

 

[Nemesis]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/12/world/main3820290.shtml?source=RSSattr=World_3820290

 

[GK]

My son just crossed that off his itinerary, he had planned to visit next week. He's in China now and I just sent him the link. He's out there visiting his uncle who is due to arrive under sail in a day or so, having set off last September.

 

[Nemesis]

Oh that's sad!

I believe it's not totally gone - just the roof...


September? Brave or foolhardy?

 

[GK]

Well he might go and visit the ruin I s'pose.

Bruv - brave and foolhardy probably. I'll ask him in July as long as the wind keeps blowing.

 

[Penners]

... and in the right direction.