Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

4.6Km 16286 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.

Oksang Dalbit (옥상달빛)

4.6Km 41 2017-01-10

2, Wausan-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Oksang Dalbit is a popular chicken restaurant in Hongdae with garlic pepper chicken as its specialty. The fried chicken seasoned with garlic and pepper is sprinkled with vodka then set on fire for about 15 seconds. This fire show not only offers fun but also adds a kick of smoky flavor.

Olens - Sangsu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 상수)

4.6Km 0 2024-04-22

1F, 61-1, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

4.6Km 417762 2024-06-19

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

4.6Km 38032 2024-03-06

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon Dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year.

Yonsei University (연세대학교)

4.6Km 818 2023-07-04

50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-1599-1885

Yonsei University, which opened in 1885, is a prestigious university that boasts a beautiful campus. In particular, it is famous for its wooden trails, antique buildings covered with ivy, and Cheongsongdae Forest, a popular dating spot among couples. Yonsei University also has a Korean language institute for foreigners interested in learning Korean.

Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink (서울광장 스케이트장)

4.6Km 100104 2020-04-02

110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2133-2691

Seoul Plaza was established in 2004, and is located by Seoul City Hall. The plaza is shaped like the full moon. Seoul Plaza hosts a wide array of cultural events including concerts and exhibitions for residents and visitors. The plaza transforms into an outdoor skating rink every winter, a popular attraction in the city.

The facility houses one rink for beginners and one for advanced skaters, and also hosts various events during its operating hours. There are also convenient facilities like skate rental, outdoor rest area, and outdoor standing area for ice skaters and spectators.

Ice skaters at the rink must wear gloves, and the plaza also offers a training program to teach interested individuals how to have fun while skating safely. To learn how to skate, visit the website to register for a training session in advance.

Olive Young - TIMEWALK Myeongdong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동타임워크점)

4.6Km 0 2024-06-27

#108 and #109, 78, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Yunssi Milbang (윤씨밀방)

4.6Km 5386 2021-03-24

15, Wausan-ro, 15-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3143-4116

This is a house where you can eat Turkish hamburger steak. This restaurant's signature menu is hamburg steak. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

PhoDUCK (포덕)

4.6Km 65 2021-03-18

7, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-5233

This Korean cuisine is located near Myeongdong Station, Seoul. The representative menu is grilled Korean beef rib eye steak. It sells pork, duck meat, and beef.

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