Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

596.7M 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.

Lotte Department Store - Avenuel Branch (롯데백화점 (에비뉴엘))

597.5M 33338 2023-06-10

73, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-2500

AVENUEL is a Lotte Department Store luxury-brand branch located in Seoul’s Gangbuk area. Brilliantly dressed in a “garden & gallery” concept and connected to the Lotte Department Store’s main building, AVENUEL offers a wide selection of imported fashion apparel, jewelry and accessories. Moreover, AVENUEL has been highly acclaimed for its extravagant interior design.

Famous designer brands Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, just to name a few, reside on the first five floors of the department store, while floors six to eight house a large cinema. The ninth floor houses a gallery and a number of restaurants, with the tenth floor providing a skin care center and spa, proving that AVENUEL offers more than just the ordinary shopping experience.

Nasarang Clinic [Tax Refund Shop] (나사랑의원)

599.6M 0 2024-04-23

6F, 109, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Hemlagat (헴라갓)

603.8M 5305 2019-09-24

35, Sogong-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-3335

Hemlagat, which literally means "home cooked" in Swedish, serves homestyle foods. The dishes made with traditional Swedish recipes passed down from the owner's grandmother.

Located close to Hoehyeon Station, Hemlagat is a good place to experience a little bit of Scandinavian culture as well. As it is a Swedish tavern ('Krog' in Swedish), they serve traditional Swedish liquors and snack pairings. The staff speaks English, Japanese, Chinese and the menu is also available in the aforementioned languages.