[KS] Independence Gate (Tongnipmun) during Japanese Colonial Rule?

[Andrei Lankov]

> The discussion of destroyed buildings reminded me of
> a question I have been long meaning to ask: what
> happened to the Indpenedence Gate (Tongnipmun)
> during the period of Japanese Colonial Rule? 

Nothing bad. They were even repaired twice, in 1917
and in 1928. In the latter case the necessary funds
were provided the Office of the Governor General (4000
won/yen). I would not speculate, but I assume that the
Japanese officials (and, for that matter, most
Koreans) still remembered well what was meant by
'independence' in 1896.

Regards,

Andrei Lankov