서울실시간 경복궁 Live Cam I "Gyeongbokgung", Seoul, Korea I 광화문 청와대 궁 けいふくきゅう 景福宫 서울관광 首爾風景 한국

Gyeongbokgung Palace, constructed in 1395 during the early Joseon Dynasty, served as the main royal residence and seat of government for over five centuries. Its name—“Gyeongbok”—literally means “Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” reflecting the Joseon dynasty’s desire to establish a capital imbued with Confucian ideals and auspicious symbolism. Originally comprising more than 500 buildings and covering vast courtyards and gardens, Gyeongbokgung embodied the architectural harmony of state power, ritual enshrinement, and natural beauty. The palace’s layout follows a strict north–south axis, with the imposing gate Gwanghwamun to the south, leading into Geunjeongjeon (the Throne Hall) at the center. Geunjeongjeon, with its double-tiered roof and elegant wooden brackets, was where kings held court and received foreign envoys. Behind the Throne Hall lies Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s private residential quarters, and to its east, the queen’s residence around Gyotaejeon. These buildings are arranged symmetrically around gentle lawns and stone terraces, creating a balanced spatial rhythm that underscores Joseon cosmology. Surrounding the central halls, you will find vast gardens, scenic pavilions, and specialized structures. The serene Hyangwonjeong Pavilion sits on a small island in a lotus pond, connected by an arched bridge—an intimate retreat for the royal family. To the west, the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion rises on sturdy stone columns above a reservoir, where lavish banquets and state ceremonies were held against the backdrop of placid waters and garden vistas. Furthermore, the National Folk Museum of Korea, rebuilt within the palace grounds in the 1970s, offers an extensive collection of artifacts that contextualize royal and commoner life in traditional Korea. Despite its grandeur, Gyeongbokgung endured destruction during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century and again suffered major damage under Japanese colonial rule in the early 20th century. Much of the original complex was dismantled or burned, leaving only a fraction of its former glory. Beginning in the 1990s, a comprehensive, government-sponsored restoration project embarked on painstaking archaeological research and traditional craftsmanship to rebuild gatehouses, halls, and pavilions one by one. Today more than 40 major buildings have been returned to their historic appearance, offering visitors a vivid sense of Joseon-era court life. Visiting Gyeongbokgung today combines cultural immersion with urban context. Located in the heart of Seoul, the palace stands amid modern skyscrapers and busy streets, making its tranquil courtyards all the more striking. Admission includes a free tour of the main halls, and guests can rent colorful hanbok (traditional Korean dress) to enter the grounds at no extra charge. Twice daily, at 10 AM and 2 PM, the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony reenacts the solemn rituals of palace security, featuring precise drill movements, ceremonial drums, and vivid silken uniforms. Seasonal events—from lotus festivals in summer at Hyangwonjeong Pond to evening light shows in autumn—further enrich the visitor experience. As both a national symbol and living museum, Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a window into Korea’s dynastic heritage, architectural ingenuity, and enduring cultural values. Exploring its gates and pavilions, one not only walks through stone and timber but also through the very spirit of a kingdom that shaped Korean identity for centuries. Whether marveling at its ornate rooftops or strolling beneath blossoming trees in the royal garden, every corner of Gyeongbokgung invites reflection on the resilience and creativity of the human endeavor.