Cultural Heritage Disaster Prevention Day
On February 10th, 2008, Seoul’s historic Sungnyemun Gate was burned down in an arson fire.
The crime shocked everyone.
February 10th was named Cultural Heritage Disaster Prevention Day in 2008 to help preserve Korea’s heritage.
On this day, workers at historic sites hold fire drills.
Buildings are also checked to make sure they are safe.
For the public, online content is released to stress the need to protect historic treasures.
Korea’s heritage sites have been at risk of harm from both nature and humans.
In 2011, the home of Korea’s first president was damaged by heavy snow.
In 2014, floods harmed a historic home in Gangneung.
In 2023, two teenagers painted graffiti on the walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
These sad events remind us that we must work to protect our heritage sites.
With our efforts, cultural heritage can be safely passed on to future generations.
