Changuimun was often called Jahamun. It was one of four mini gates in the north surrounding the castle town Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. But because one of the four main gates, Sukjeongmun, was closed, Changuimun became a favorite north gate. Hence, people also called Changuimun the North Gate. It is the only gate among four mini gates that is still in its original state. Although it is small, almost 50m², in terms of size, it looks very firm and sturdy. While Dongsomun Gate, one of four mini gates, is decorated with a phoenix, Changuimun Gate is adorned with a wooden chicken along its rafters. The reason behind the wooden chicken was that the chicken was believed to be the nemesis of the centipede. People believed that installing the wooden chicken was important to overcome the harmful spirit of the centipede.
