Shinhan Bank to help restore Namdaemun

Shinhan Bank will support the on-going restoration project of Namdaemun, the historic gate in Seoul which was severely damaged by arson fire in 2008, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced Tuesday.

The bank and the cultural administration signed a contract Tuesday morning, confirming the bank’s financial support for two parts of the restoration project: The creation of giwa, traditional Korean roof tiles for the gate, which will be made at Korea National University of Cultural Heritage in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province; and the installation of new lighting for Namdaemun, which is designed to complement its nighttime view.

The restoration project is expected to be completed by 2012.

(dyc@heraldcorp.com)