숭례문: 서울의 남대문 편집하기 (부분)

===Eng===
'''Sungnyemun Gate: The Southern Gateway to Joseon’s Capital'''

Sungnyemun Gate is the southern main gate of Seoul City Wall (<i>Hanyang doseong</i>), the fortification that surrounded Hanyang (present-day Seoul), the capital of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). The name Sungnyemun, meaning “Gate of Honoring Propriety,” reflects Confucian values. Completed in 1398 during the seventh year of King Taejo’s reign  (r. 1392-1398), Sungnyemun is the largest and most magnificent structure among the four main gates of the Seoul City Wall and is widely known by its informal name Namdaemun (Great South Gate). Designated as a National Treasure, Sungnyemun exemplifies the outstanding technical and aesthetic achievements of Joseon architecture and stands as an iconic cultural heritage of Seoul.

The Seoul City Wall was constructed for defense after King Taejo established Hanyang as the capital of the new dynasty in 1394. The fortress featured four great gates positioned at the cardinal directions: Sungnyemun in the south, Heunginjimun in the east, Donuimun in the west, and Sukjeongmun in the north. The names of these four gates all derive from core Confucian virtues—propriety, benevolence, righteousness, and wisdom, respectively. Each gate served as both a major thoroughfare into the capital and a crucial defensive installation.

Sungnyemun Gate consists of a two-story wooden pavilion atop a stone foundation, the center of which features an arched passageway that allowed the passage of people and carts. The pavilion features a hip-and-gable roof with double-tier eaves, displaying dignified and elegant curved lines. Notably, unlike other gates, the wooden plaque bearing Sungnyemun’s name is written horizontally rather than vertically.

Throughout the Joseon period, Sungnyemun served as Hanyang’s primary gateway and transcended its function as a mere entrance to symbolize the dignity of the royal capital and Joseon’s architectural prowess. With over 600 years of history, Sungnyemun stands today in the heart of downtown Seoul, representing a cultural heritage that embodies the coexistence of tradition and modernity in the city.