Korean Dictionary
How to say "Namdaemun Gate (Sungnyemun)" in Korean
“Namdaemun Gate (Sungnyemun)” in Korean is 남대문 (pronounced "namdaemun").
남대문
namdaemun
Usage & Context
Namdaemun (South Great Gate), formally known as Sungnyemun, is the oldest wooden gate structure in Seoul. It was built in 1398 during the Joseon Dynasty. After a devastating arson fire in 2008, it was restored and reopened in 2013.
Example Sentence
남대문은 서울의 대표적인 역사 문화재예요.
Namdaemun is a representative historical cultural heritage of Seoul.
How to use 남대문 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Namdaemun Gate (Sungnyemun)” is 남대문, romanized as namdaemun.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 남대문.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'nam-dae-mun'. Three clear syllables: 'nam' (rhymes with 'nom'), 'dae' (like 'day'), 'mun' (like 'moon' shortened).
More Example Sentences
shopping district
남대문 시장은 정말 커요.
Namdaemun Market is really huge.
historical event
남대문이 2008년에 화재로 타 버렸어요.
Namdaemun was burned down in a fire in 2008.
recent history
남대문은 복원됐어요.
Namdaemun has been restored.
Cultural Context
남대문 (officially 숭례문) is the 'Great South Gate', designated as National Treasure No. 1. The 2008 arson attack that destroyed it was a national tragedy, and its 5-year restoration (2013) was a major event. 남대문 시장 next to it is one of Korea's oldest and biggest traditional markets, famous for wholesale fashion, children's clothing, and street food.
Editorial note
We review entries like 남대문 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
남대문 시장 가 봤어요?
Have you been to Namdaemun Market?
남대문이 국보 1호예요.
Namdaemun is National Treasure No. 1.
남대문에서 쇼핑했어요.
I shopped at Namdaemun.
Related Expressions
숭례문
sungnyemun
Sungnyemun (official name)
남대문 시장
namdaemun sijang
Namdaemun Market
성문
seongmun
city gate
국보
gukbo
national treasure
More Korean History Words
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