8/28 Sungnyemun

DIALOG>> It was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul.

A: What's behind that wall?
B: Oh, that? They're restoring a historical structure called Namdaemun.
A: Why? What was wrong with it?
B: Well, some angry guy set it on fire. Completely destroyed.
A: How old was the structure?
B: 614 years old. It was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the first National Treasure of Korea, Sungnyemun.

I have a little trivia quiz for you. What is the first National Treasure of Korea?
* trivia quiz: 일반 상식 퀴즈
* the National Treasure of Korea: 대한민국 국보
ex> I'm going to end this class with some trivia questions.

If you answered Sungnyemun or Namdaemun, you're absolutely right.

Sungnyemun is by far one of the most impressive and recognizable historical structures in Seoul.
* by far: 단연코, 사뭇, 매우
* recognizable: 알아볼 수 있는, important
ex> This is by far the biggest sporting event of the year.
ex> She is by far one of the most beautiful people I know.

It was originally constructed in 1398 by King Taejo. This national treasure was one of the four main gateways of the old city wall.
* gateway: 관문, 입구

Sungnyemun had managed to survive through the two Japanese invasions, the Korean War, and the modernization of Korea.
* manage to survive: 살아 남다 (= able to~)
ex> I managed to finish reading this book in just two days.

Unfortunately, an arsonist set Sungnyemun on fire in 2008, severely damaging the top part of the gate.
* arsonist: 방화범
* set something on fire: ~에 불을 지르다, 방화하다
ex> I saw the lightning set a tree on fire.

This was truly a national tragedy. Restoration is underway and expected to be finished in December this year.
* restoration: 복원
* be underway: 진행 중이다, = in progress
ex> It's a great tragedy for her and for all of us.
ex> Major construction is underway to build a new baseball stadium in Changwon.


@ What a pity! 정말 안타깝다! = What a shame, What a waste.

1. He is by far the most talented baseball player in the league.
2. I managed to get all the right answers.
3. We saw him setting the house on fire.
3. Filming is underway for the second series of Dae Jang Guem.