A United New Democratic Party lawmaker has filed a request with a Seoul court to stop the tearing down of the Sungnyemun gate.

Lawmaker Lee Seung-hee said the public was divided between keeping the landmark in its destroyed form and restoring it.

She said the ongoing demolition is being done without regard for those who wish to preserve the landmark's remains.

Lee said calls for restoration appear to outweigh those wanting to retain the burned structure and rebuild it elsewhere. But she said the state has the responsibility to gather and reflect minority opinions.

Referring to examples in advanced nations, she said the demolition of Sungnyemun is not in line with international practice. She said if the gate is torn down, the world will see Korea as a culturally backward country.