【Live Footage】Special Feature on Live Cameras at the Tense Frontline Between South and North Korea

Yeonpyeong Island Live Camera: The Island of Conflict and Tension Between the Koreas

Yeonpyeong Island, a small island floating in the Yellow Sea, stands as a stark reality of the tense frontline dividing the Korean Peninsula. Located on the Military Demarcation Line between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Yeonpyeong Island has been the stage for numerous armed conflicts. Notably, the Yeonpyeong naval battles in 1999 and 2002, and the shelling incident in 2010, shocked the world and highlighted the fragility of peace in this region. It is said that numerous artillery pieces from North Korea, located just 12 km away, are still aimed at this island. The live cameras installed on Yeonpyeong Island capture this tense sea as it is today.

Yeonpyeong Island Live Camera ①　⇒Live Footage
Yeonpyeong Island Live Camera ②　⇒Live Footage
Yeonpyeong Island Live Camera ③　⇒Live Footage

Panoramic LIVE of Seoul’s Cityscape: Namsan Seoul Tower

The live camera at Namsan Seoul Tower captures the entire view of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, in real-time 24 hours a day. Behind the beautiful urban landscape captured by this camera lies another reality. About 40 km north of Seoul lies the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates South and North Korea. Known as one of the most militarily tense areas in the world, the DMZ is where the armies of both countries stare each other down, with tension constantly simmering. This geographical proximity to the military demarcation line poses a significant security challenge for South Korea.

Live Cameras on the Bridges of the Han River in Seoul

Many bridges span the Han River, and some of them are equipped with live cameras. Through these cameras, you can view the scenery of the Han River and the conditions of the bridges in real-time. The views change depending on the time of day, so it’s recommended to check at different times. Especially at night, the illuminated bridges and city nightscape create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere.

Experience Lotte World in Real-Time: Seoul’s Cityscape

Lotte World is a large-scale entertainment complex located in Songpa-gu, Seoul. It includes indoor and outdoor theme parks, shopping malls, hotels, and more. This live camera captures the iconic castle of Lotte World from the front, streaming live footage. You can enjoy the parades and the beautiful scenery of the castle reflected in the lake. At night, you can also see the fantastically illuminated castle.

Seoul’s Cityscape: Gyeongbokgung Palace Live Camera Across Time and Space

The Gyeongbokgung Palace live camera not only captures the modern scenery of Seoul but also allows you to experience the splendor of the Joseon Dynasty, which has a history of over 500 years, and the turbulent modern history of Korea simultaneously. Built in 1395 by Yi Seong-gye, Gyeongbokgung Palace reigned as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty in the heart of Seoul. However, it was burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1592 and was not rebuilt for about 270 years. Although it was reconstructed by Heungseon Daewongun in 1865, it lost its role as a royal palace after the annexation of Korea in 1910, becoming the office of the Governor-General of Korea. After Korea’s independence, the restoration project of Gyeongbokgung Palace began and continues to this day. Many buildings have regained their original appearance, conveying the architectural beauty and cultural essence of the Joseon era. Through the live camera, you can enjoy the majestic appearance of the palace during the day and the fantastically illuminated scenery at night.

Seoul’s Cityscape: The Hidden Realities of Gangnam’s Alleys

The alleys lined with nostalgic buildings and enveloped in a nostalgic atmosphere. Here, you can observe the lives of the locals in a leisurely flow of time and feel another charm of Gangnam. The alleys are lined with lively eateries, and you can almost smell the savory aroma. During the day, the area is bustling with office workers, and at night, it is lively with people returning from work. You can enjoy the vibrant scenes of Gangnam in real-time. Additionally, there are stylish cafes and bars that make use of the retro atmosphere, and you can experience the joy of exploring hidden spots in the alleys through the live camera from the comfort of your home.

Backstreets of Gangnam⇒Live Footage　

Famous Event Venue: Seoul Plaza Live Camera

Located in the heart of Seoul, Seoul Plaza has transformed from a major traffic hub into a lush green space in 2002. Now, the Seoul Plaza live camera conveys the charm of this plaza in its entirety. Through the live camera, you can experience various cultural events such as the Kimjang Festival, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and music concerts from the comfort of your home. You might also get a sense of the atmosphere of large gatherings, like the enthusiastic cheering scenes during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.

North Korea’s Largest Supporter: Live Cameras in Harbin and Beijing, China

China has historically been deeply involved with the Korean Peninsula and maintains complex relationships in politics, economics, and culture even today. For example, Harbin in Heilongjiang Province is a city where many Koreans once lived, and their traces remain. The live camera installed in Harbin offers a panoramic view of the cityscape lined with Russian-style historical buildings. You can feel the history of various cultures intersecting, including Russian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, from the city’s scenery, which began with the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway by Russia in the late 19th century. On the other hand, Beijing, the capital of China, is an important diplomatic partner for North Korea. The live camera on Chang’an Street in Beijing captures the bustling cityscape, giving a glimpse of its role as the political center of China. Beijing International Airport is one of the few international airports with direct flights to South Korea and North Korea, symbolizing the connections between the two countries. Through the live cameras in Harbin and Beijing, you can reflect on the complex historical background and modern connections of these regions.

Downtown Harbin⇒Live Footage

Chang’an Avenue, Beijing⇒Live Footage

North Korea’s New Partner: Vladivostok, Russia Live Camera

Vladivostok, located near the border with North Korea, is a city with a complex history and geopolitical significance. The cityscape visible through the live camera quietly tells the story of the Soviet era and reflects the increasingly close relationship between the two countries in recent years. For Russia, which has become increasingly isolated from the international community following the invasion of Ukraine, North Korea’s presence as a counterbalance to the United States is growing. The relationship between the two countries has never been more important, and Vladivostok serves as a hub for this relationship. The ports and railway stations visible through the live camera indicate Vladivostok’s role as an important trading hub for both Russia and North Korea. The sight of ships and freight trains transporting goods illustrates the economic ties between Russia, under economic sanctions, and North Korea. Furthermore, Vladivostok is also the base of the Russian Pacific Fleet. If you’re lucky, you might see ships docked at the military port or Russian warships proudly sailing through the live camera. These scenes strongly impress Russia’s military power and presence in the Far East. With rising tensions in the Far East in recent years, the movements of the Russian Pacific Fleet are attracting worldwide attention.

Golden Horn Bay, Vladivostok⇒Live Footage

Revolution Fighters’ Square, Vladivostok⇒Live Footage

Golden Bridge, Vladivostok⇒Live Footage

The live cameras at Hakata Port and Shimonoseki Port, key transportation hubs between the Korean Peninsula and Japan

Busan and Japan’s Hakata Port and Shimonoseki Port have historically deep connections and play an economically important role as key maritime transportation hubs linking Japan and South Korea. Particularly in recent years, with the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the relationship between these three ports has become increasingly important not only for economic ties but also for considering East Asian security. North Korea continues to provoke the international community with its nuclear development and repeated missile tests. Especially, North Korea’s military activities on the Sea of Japan side pose a significant security threat to both Japan and South Korea. In such a situation, Busan Port, Hakata Port, and Shimonoseki Port are strategically crucial as potential bases for the transportation of ships and supplies for the US military stationed in Japan and South Korea in case of emergency. If the port functions were paralyzed by North Korea’s military actions, it could have a significant impact on international logistics, causing severe disruptions to economic activities and civilian life. For both Japan and South Korea, the threat posed by North Korea is no longer someone else’s problem. It is essential for Japan and South Korea to closely cooperate and strengthen deterrence as an urgent security issue. However, it is also true that there are many unresolved issues between the two countries, such as historical recognition problems and economic friction. Facing the common threat of the North Korean issue, Japan and South Korea need to deepen mutual understanding through dialogue and build a cooperative relationship with a future-oriented perspective as soon as possible.

【Live Stream】Hakata Port Live Camera in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

【Live Stream】Kanmon Bridge Live Camera in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Background and Timeline of the North-South Korea Issue

Background of Yeonpyeong Island

Yeonpyeong Island is heavily fortified with many South Korean military facilities, and shelters are also installed on the island, preparing for emergencies. Many islanders are engaged in fishing, especially blue crab fishing. However, the memory of North Korean shelling remains, and there is always a sense of tension in daily life.

1999: First Battle of Yeonpyeong

On June 15, 1999, a clash occurred between the South Korean Navy and the North Korean Navy around Yeonpyeong Island. This is known as the “First Battle of Yeonpyeong.” The clash was caused by North Korea crossing the Northern Limit Line (NLL) and attacking South Korean fishing boats.

2002: Second Battle of Yeonpyeong

On June 29, 2002, another clash occurred between the South Korean and North Korean navies around Yeonpyeong Island. In this “Second Battle of Yeonpyeong,” there were casualties on the South Korean side, further heightening tensions.

Trailer for the movie “Northern Limit Line: The Battle of Yeonpyeong” based on the Battle of Yeonpyeong

2010: Yeonpyeong Island Shelling Incident

On November 23, 2010, North Korea shelled Yeonpyeong Island, killing two South Korean soldiers and two civilians, and injuring 15 others. This incident was considered a major provocation in inter-Korean relations and was internationally condemned.

【Yeonpyeong Island Shelling Incident】170 shells fired, 22 casualties

2024: Recent Developments

In January 2024, North Korea conducted three consecutive days of shelling towards the Yellow Sea around Yeonpyeong Island. Although the shells landed north of the NLL and did not directly affect South Korea, evacuation orders were issued to the islanders, and tensions rose again.

【Temporary Evacuation Order on Yeonpyeong Island】 North Korea fires in the vicinity, South Korea takes countermeasures