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Severe Blaze Damages Songseokjeong Pavilion in Seongbuk-dong Garden

Heritage authorities face urgent restoration planning after destructive firefighting tactics compromised the pavilion’s structure

This file photo shows a garden from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) located in Seoul's Seongbuk-dong on April 23, 2019. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • The fire ignited around 12:45 p.m. in the 1950s post-war Songseokjeong pavilion located within the Joseon-era Seongbuk-dong Garden.
  • Fire authorities escalated to a Level 1 emergency alert at 1:43 p.m. and conducted a destructive suppression operation, dismantling roof sections to access hidden smoldering spots.
  • Emergency crews fully extinguished the blaze by about 5 p.m. and confirmed that no visitors or responders were injured.
  • The Korea Heritage Service reported that the pavilion’s wooden columns endured severe structural damage, prompting a detailed heritage assessment.
  • Seongbuk-dong Garden is a nationally designated Scenic Site renowned for its classical Joseon Dynasty villa garden layout and traditional hanok architecture.