Pothong Gate
Pothong Gate stands in Pothongmun-dong, Central District of Pyongyang. It was built in the mid-6th century as the west gate of the Walled City of Pyongyang. Later, it was repaired several times and rebuilt in 1473.
It is one of the oldest gates in Korea.
As a majestic and well-balanced structure, it showcases the architectural style of Koryo.
It consists of a platform piled up with trimmed granite slabs and a two-storey pavilion on it.
There is an arch gateway, 4.4m wide and 4.55m high, in the middle of the platform. And in front of the gateway is a strong wooden door studded with lines of iron pieces on both sides.
The pavilion has three-bays (14.8m) at the front and three-bays (9.15m) at the side. The entasis columns support the two-tiered hip-saddle roofs.
Pothong Gate looks imposing and stable as its height is lower than other gates and the area of the second storey is relatively smaller than that of the first storey.
As it was situated at a vantage point in traffic and military aspects that provided access to the northwestern part of the walled city, great importance was attached to it from the period of the Three Kingdoms.
It is duly protected and managed, designated as a National Treasure.
