South Korea’s historic gate that was destroyed in an arson attack in February 2008, was fully restored and placed back on public display for the first time in five years and three months.

The Cultural Heritage Administration held a ceremony for the completion of the restoration of Sungnyemun on Saturday afternoon. South Korean President Park Geun-hye and the artisans who participated in restoring the gate were present.

In a celebratory speech, Park called Sungnyemun the face of the spirit of South Koreans and their identity, adding the rebirth of the gate went beyond just restoration of a historic artifact, renewing South Koreans’ pride. The president said with the reopening of the gate, a door to new hope and a new generation was opened.

The ceremony was held at the gate, and in the Gwanghwamun area with the slogan, “Sungnyemun, a new door to culture opens,” and under the theme “cohabitation.”

A children’s choir put on a performance symbolizing the passing down of cultural heritage to future generations, while a ritual was held to rid the gate of misfortune.

Afterwards, a report was made on the details of the recovery, followed by the unveiling of the gate’s sign, and more traditional rituals celebrating the reopening of the gate.