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LEGO → System → Architecture
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21016 Sungnyemun is an Architecture set released in June 2012. The model was designed by Chicago architect Adam Reed Tucker.

Background[]

Namdaemun (Hangul: 남대문; Hanja: 南大門, South Great Gate), officially known as the Sungnyemun (Hangul: 숭례문; Hanja: 崇禮門, Gate of Exalted Ceremonies), is one of the Eight Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon dynasty. The gate is located in Jung-gu between Seoul Station and Seoul Plaza, with the historic 24-hour Namdaemun market next to the gate.

The gate, dating back to the 14th century, is a historic pagoda-style gateway, and is designated as the first National Treasure of South Korea. It was once one of the three major gateways through Seoul's city walls which had a stone circuit of 18.2 kilometers (11.3 mi) and stood up to 6.1 meters (20 ft) high. It was first built in the last year of King Taejo of Joseon's reign in 1398, and rebuilt in 1447.

In 2008, the wooden pagoda atop the gate was severely damaged by arson. Restoration work on the gateway started in February 2010 and was completed on 29 April 2013. The gate was reopened on 4 May 2013.

LEGO.com Description[]

LEGO.com-icon-yellow This is a description taken from LEGO.com. Please do not modify it. (visit this item's product page)

Recreate a piece of Korean history with the majestic Sungnyemun!

Presenting one of South Korea's most treasured monuments – Sungnyemun. Also known as the Great Southern Gate, this majestic gateway to the South Korean capital of Seoul is the last remaining of four gateways constructed in the late 14th century to protect the country's capital. In 1962, this impressive Joseon Dynasty monument was declared South Korea's first national treasure, but in 2008 was almost completely destroyed by a fire. Fortunately, a restoration project, due for completion in 2012, will return the South Korean people's coveted treasure to its former glory once again. This LEGO Landmark series interpretation of Sungnyemun was designed by US architect Adam Reed Tucker in collaboration with the LEGO design team.

  • Interpretation of real-world architectural landmark Sungnyemun
  • Booklet included with details on design and history (English language only. Other languages available for download)
  • Measures 4.2” (10.7cm) tall, 6.9” (17.6cm) wide and 3.1” (8cm) deep
  • Collect the entire Landmark and Architect series sets
  • LEGO Architecture inspires future architects, engineers and designers as well as architecture fans around the world using the LEGO brick as a medium for reproducing esteemed structures


Press Release[]

LEGO.com-icon-yellow This is a description taken from LEGO.com. Please do not modify it.

BILLUND, Denmark – LEGO® Architecture, which uses the LEGO brick to interpret the designs of iconic architecture around the world, has added its first Asian landmark – the Gate of Exalted Ceremonies in Seoul, better known as the Sungnyemun.

Sungnyemun has stood in the heart of South Korean capital since 1398 as one of the most complete examples of Joseon Dynasty architecture. It is listed as the country’s foremost National Treasure.

“Sungnyemun survives as a symbolic marker of a lost place in time,” says the architect and designer of many of the LEGO models Adam Reed Tucker. In capturing the essence of Sungnyemun in LEGO bricks Adam looked at the aesthetics rather than engineering, especially the use of colours, patterns and materials that define the ‘spiritual DNA’ of a culture.

Construction of Sungnyemun started in 1396 and was completed two years later. Further alterations and renovations continued over the next 600 years. In 2008 the wooden structure was completely destroyed by fire and it is expected that the restoration – using traditional hand tools – will be complete at the end of 2012.

The LEGO 21016 Sungnyemun will be launched officially at the Danish Pavilion during the EXPO 2012 exhibition held in Yeosu, South Korea. It will be available for purchase from June 1 in LEGO brand retail stores, LEGOLAND Stores and online at http://shop.lego.com/. The product is designed for ages 12+ and includes a booklet with facts and history about Sungnyemun. Recommended retail price is $34.99 in the US and €34.99 in most European countries.


Gallery[]

Notes[]

  • The set was officially launched in South Korea.
  • This is the first and only set based on South Korean architecture, as well as the first set based on Asian and East Asian architecture.

Source[]

External Info[]


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