Fire Erupts Near Gyeongbokgung Palace: What Caused the Damage?

Daniel Kim | 2026.03.28

Translation result.

Around 5:30 a.m. on the 28th, a fire broke out near the Sambi Gate (三備門) in front of the Ja-seon-dang at Gyeongbokgung. The photo shows the Sambi Gate partially damaged by the fire. [Photo=Cultural Heritage Administration]

A fire near the Ja-seon-dang at Gyeongbokgung damaged several structural elements, including support pillars and parts of a side gate, but authorities say it was contained before causing widespread destruction.

According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, the blaze began at about 5:35 a.m. on the 28th at a side gate adjacent to the Sambi Gate in front of Ja-seon-dang.

A security guard on patrol noticed smoke and used a portable fire extinguisher and a nearby hydrant to put the flames out in roughly 15 minutes. No injuries were reported.

While crews prevented the fire from spreading, investigators confirmed that one auxiliary pillar of the side gate and portions of the wooden structure were burned or scorched.

In a text notice, the Cultural Heritage Administration said that, after investigating the incident with the fire service and other relevant agencies, officials currently suspect spontaneous combustion. They reported no signs of suspicious activity at the scene and found no cigarette butts or other flammable materials. The exact ignition point and the detailed sequence of events remain under investigation.