[하이코리언 뉴스] 광화문 광장에서 바라보면 탁 트인 전경이 아름다운 경복궁은 조선시대(1392-1910)에 만들어진 다섯 곳의 궁궐 중 첫 번째로 지어진 곳이다. 큰 복을 누리라는 뜻이 담긴 경복궁은 1394년에 공사를 시작해 이듬해인 1395년에 완공되었다. 서울 시내 5곳의 궁궐 중 규모가 가장 큰 궁으로 조선시대 초기, 왕조의 중심지 역할을 하게 된다. 앞에는 물이 흐르고 뒤에는 산이 있는 곳이 좋은 기운을 가진다고 하여 지금의 북악산 아래에 자리를 잡았다. 경복궁의 정문, 광화문 앞에 서있는 해치와 함께 경복궁 안에 일직선으로 지어진 건물들이 궁의 위엄을 더해주고 있다. 가장 먼저 보이는 근정전 건물은 국왕의 즉위식이나 주요 행사가 거행된 곳으로 조선 왕실을 상징하는 건물이다.
그 뒤로 왕이 업무를 보던 곳, 왕과 왕비의 침실, 왕세자가 머무는 곳, 연회가 열리던 곳 등 각 용도에 맞게 세워진 많은 건물들을 만나볼 수 있다.
A panorama of the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace can be taken in from Gwanghwamun Square. It is the oldest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Construction of the palace began in 1394 and ended in 1395. Its name means, "the greatly blessed palace." Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces and in the early Joseon Dynasty was crucial to the king as it housed major government offices. Its location, with running water before it and a mountain, Bugaksan, was considered very auspicious. Haechi (mythical lion-like creatures) stand in from of the palace's main gate, Gwanghwamun Gate. The buildings within the palace and the haechi were built to align in straight lines so as to ward off danger.
The first building you will see after entering Gyeongbokgung is Geonjeongjeon Hall, where coronations and other important state events were held. Geonjeongjeon Hall was of great symbolic significance to the royal family during the Joseon dynasty. Behind the hall are the royal residences, the Council Hall where the King handled state affairs, and a variety of other buildings as the banquet hall and several pavilions.
TIP
Gyeongbokgung Palace's Best Photo Spots
* Geonjeongjeon Hall : The most majestic and symbolically representative building of Gyeongbokgung Palace; its sheer size lends for beautiful photos at any angle.
* Gyeonghoeru Pavilion : The pavilion was once hosted banquets for foreign dignitaries, exams were taken here, and an archery range once stood here. It is the most beautiful site of Gyeongbokgung Palace regardless of the season.
* Hyangwonjeong Pavilion : The king once used the pavilion as a place to relax and unwind in luxury. The two story pavilion was built atop a small round island in the middle of a square, man-made pond. It is an extremely popular photo spot for visitors.
Address : 1-91 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions : Gyeongbokgung Station, (line 3) exit 3 or Gwanghwamun Station, (line 5) exit 2
Website : www.royalpalace.go.kr
Opening Hours : 09:00~18:00 (Closed Tuesdays, closing time varies seasonally)