Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

6.0Km 2020-05-07

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5842

Hwangudan Altar, also called Hwandan Altar, refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon dynasty.

Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Hwangudan Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon dynasty was renamed as the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived.

Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.

Ilmin Art Museum (일민미술관)

6.0Km 2022-09-27

152, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Ilmin Art Museum located in former Dong-A Newspaper Building, was formed in honor of their honorable and late CEO Kim Sang-man. The museum was established in December of 1996, and with a full renovation in 2001, large exhibition hall and Ilmin collection was placed in. Through the renovation, the combination of glass and steel made Artrium aimed to become one of the best comtemporary museum, connecting the museum to the streets of Gwanghwamun.

This museum boasts a large Ilmin collection. There are 430 pieces of Ilmin collection from Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) to present, 1,200 pieces in the Donga Newspaper's collection of art, and 100 pieces of art owned by Hyundai Corporation. The Ilmin Collection mostly consists of pieces that Kim Sang-man collected from ceramics to aesthetic paintings. The Dongah Newspaper's collection has time-relevant pieces that are important in history.

Daelim Museum (대림미술관)

6.0Km 2022-07-29

21, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-0667

The Daelim Museum, built by the Daelim Group, was first established in Daejeon in 1996 and later moved to Jongno, Seoul in 2002. The art gallery studies, analyzes, and presents modern art through the lens of photography and holds exhibitions centered around photo media.

The museum is located in the residential area of Tongui-dong, near the time-honored Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum, which was designed by French architect, Vincent Cornu, and built by the Daelim Corporation, opened its door to the public in late May 2002.

On the first floor, there is a garden, parking lot, reception desk, storage area, and conference room. On the second and third floor are offices and exhibition hall approximately 595 m² in size, consisting of small and large rooms, a long gallery, and a special high-ceilinged exhibition space. On the fourth floor, there is a seminar room that can seat up to 120 guests and a balcony with a beautiful view. From the balcony of the seminar room, Visitors can also enjoy a wide open view of Inwangsan Mountain and Bukhansan Mountain. The stained glass panels (designed to reflect the beauty of traditional Korean wrapping cloth) and the scenic lounges on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building add to the overall charm.

Above all else, the museum was designed with consideration of the photos, which are very sensitive to humidity, light, and temperature.

Gwanghwamun Seokgalbi (광화문석갈비)

6.0Km 2021-05-25

136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-6288

It is a restaurant frequently used as a place for group dinners by office workers. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled ribs on a hot plate. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Laderach SFC (레더라 SFC)

6.0Km 2021-03-29

136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-3245

It is a Swiss chocolate shop. The best menu at this restaurant is chocolate drink. This cafe is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Lee Seo-yun Hanbok (이서윤한복)

6.0Km 2020-04-11

7, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-4250

Lee Seo-yun Hanbok seeks hanbok that blends both traditional Korean and western designs. It not only weaves fabrics for its own hanbok, but dyes them as well. The main items cover party dresses, wedding dresses, ornaments, cushions, and sitting cushions. Lee Seo-yun, the owner of the store, was responsible for clothing and ornaments shown in the Korean soap opera, Iljimae and his works have appeared in many soap operas, traditional Korean dance performances and fashion shows as well.

Seoul Papyrus [Tax Refund Shop] (서울파피루스)

6.0Km 2024-04-19

136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Seochon Village (서촌마을)

6.0Km 2024-03-05

45, Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Nuha-dong)

Seochon Village is the name given to the area to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a historic village, home to old shops and hanok buildings that have stood the test of time. Korean traditions and contemporary sensibilities coexist within Seochon Village’s maze-like alleyways, creating the unique ambience that makes the district so beloved. One can find shops, guesthouses, cafés, and restaurants in the village.

Mimosa [Tax Refund Shop] (미모사)

6.0Km 2024-06-27

33, Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Frisbee - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (FR광화문점(금강 프리스비))

6.0Km 2024-04-16

1F, 8, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Hwangudan Altar (환구단) - Area information - Korea travel information