외궁 refers to the outer palace or the administrative area of a royal palace in traditional Korean architecture. It served as the public space where officials conducted government affairs and where the king would meet with his subjects. The design of 외궁 typically includes various buildings for different functions, such as audience halls and administrative offices. In the context of the 조선 Dynasty, 외궁 was an essential part of the royal complex, complementing the inner palace, known as 내궁. While 내궁 was reserved for the royal family, 외궁 was accessible to officials and the public, highlighting the separation between the private and public spheres of royal life.