Seoul - A fire in Seoul last night destroyed a wooden gate from the 14th century, which was considered one of the most significant city monuments, news agencies reported. The police do not rule out the possibility that the gate was intentionally set on fire.
    The Seoul police are now searching for a man who, according to witnesses, entered the gate shortly before the fire broke out. According to the Korean news agency Yonhap, the suspicion of arson is also supported by the fact that firefighters found two discarded lighters in the debris of the gate. However, the police also do not dismiss the possibility that the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring.
    The future South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak, who will take office on February 25, also arrived at the fire scene and expressed regret over the destruction of the historical gate. According to him, the incident "will strike at the heart of Koreans."
    Sungnyemun Gate, built in 1398, was one of Seoul's main tourist attractions. City officials announced that they would attempt to restore the monument. According to them, the work will take at least three years and the costs will reach 20 billion won (approximately 370 million crowns).