Dongdaemun Gate, also commonly known as Dongdaemun (East Great Gate), is one of the Eight Gates in the historic Seoul City Wall of the Joseon Dynasty. It holds the designation of National Treasure No. 1 of South Korea.
The gate was first constructed in 1398 during the reign of King Taejo and served as the main eastern entrance into the capital city, Hanseong (now Seoul). Its original purpose was both for access and defense. A unique defensive feature is the Ongseong, a half-moon-shaped outer wall built in front of the gate, which was added to bolster its protection against invaders, reflecting its strategic vulnerability on the eastern, lower-lying side of the city.
While the gate is a magnificent piece of traditional Korean architecture, it stands in stark contrast to its surroundings. Today, it is situated in the center of the bustling Dongdaemun district, famous globally for its massive Dongdaemun Market for wholesale and retail fashion, and the ultra-modern Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), designed by Zaha Hadid. The illuminated gate at night beautifully symbolizes the convergence of Seoul’s deep history and its hyper-modern energy. The structure has undergone several reconstructions, with the current visible form dating largely from a 1869 renovation.
