SEOUL, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) -- Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeok Palace and reportedly the oldest surviving main gate of a royal palace in South Korea, is set to undergo extensive restoration, with work expected to continue through the second half of 2028.

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center under the Korea Heritage Service said Monday it will begin dismantling the roof tiles of Donhwamun, a designated Treasure, this month as part of efforts to restore the historic structure.

The gateway to Changdeok Palace is a five-bay-wide and two-bay-deep structure.

Its name carries the meaning of a king spreading great virtue and guiding his people toward moral cultivation.

Donhwamun was first built in 1412 during the reign of King Taejong (1400-1418) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). After being destroyed during the 1592-1598 Japanese invasions of Korea, it was rebuilt in 1609.

The two-story pavilion-style structure is known as the largest among the main gates of Joseon royal palaces. It was used by kings when making ceremonial processions and for major state events, while officials reportedly usually entered the palace through Geumhomun Gate to the west.

Serving as the symbolic face of Changdeok Palace, Donhwamun was designated a Treasure in 1963. However, repeated structural safety inspections have assigned it the lowest possible grade, prompting calls for restoration.

A 2014 inspection identified structural problems, while monitoring surveys conducted from 2020 to 2022 gave the gate an E grade for three consecutive years, indicating that repairs were necessary.

In 2022, experts concluded that "given the extent of damage inside and outside the structure, there are concerns that it could lead to structural damage, requiring prompt measures such as dismantling and repairing the upper roof section."

The upcoming project will be the gate's first major restoration in approximately 29 years, since 1997.

The center plans to first remove the roof tiles and examine the structure's interior condition and the extent of deformation in its major structural components. Based on the findings and consultations with experts, it will determine whether individual components need to be replaced or reinforced.

Major wooden structural elements, including rafters and purlins, will subsequently be dismantled in stages.

"We plan to conduct detailed measurements of each component, document the traditional decorative paintwork and carry out investigations and research, including dendrochronological dating based on tree rings," a center official said.

The restoration and maintenance project is expected to cost approximately 13.5 billion won (US$9.3 million).

Work is scheduled for completion around October 2028, although the timeline could be extended if the scope of repairs expands following the dismantling and inspection process.

During construction, visitors will enter the palace through Geumhomun Gate and a nearby fire-service gate instead of Donhwamun.

The center also plans to open the restoration site to the public twice a month.

Starting Nov. 25, visitors will be able to view the work in person twice a month through an online reservation system. A viewing area will also be set up inside the temporary protective structure erected around the gate for the restoration work.

"We aim to restore Donhwamun to its original form by addressing deterioration and structural deformation, thereby creating a safer environment for visitors and enhancing the historical value of our national heritage," the center said.

Changdeok Palace is known as the Joseon royal residence where kings spent the longest period governing the country. It is also renowned for its harmonious integration with the surrounding natural landscape.

The palace was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997 and will mark the 30th anniversary of its designation next year.

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