Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

341.4M 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.

Bosingak Belfry (보신각 터)

346.8M 2024-03-04

54, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-2641

Bosingak Belfry is also known as Jonggak. It was the site in which a large bell, used to keep the time in Seoul, was found during the Joseon period (1392-1897). Bosingak Belfry was burned down during the Korean War (1950-1953) and was reconstructed in 1979. The original bell was moved to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and a new bell was forged in 1985. At midnight, January 1, the bell at the Bosingak Belfry is rung to welcome the new year. Many people gather around the belfry to make a wish for their new year.

Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink (서울광장 스케이트장)

351.9M 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.

Koreana Hotel (코리아나 호텔)

354.7M 2021-06-21

135, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2171-7000

Koreana Hotel has been one of the top notch traveler's picks for more than 30 years, having the business motto 'comfort for our customers.'

The hotel is located at the Gwanghwamun fourway intersection, at the heart of Seoul, and provides 345 guest rooms. Amongst its dining facilities, the hotel boasts a Korean restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and a Western restaurant, as well as a bar, coffee shops, and bakery. Eight banquet halls and a sauna are also available.

The hotel has operated as the main press center restaurant for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and subsequently operated as the Olympic Village Restaurant for the Special Olympics. As a result of their successful operations, the hotel received lavish praise from the organizers, as well as from the players and staff for the high quality food and spectacular service.

Samsung Mobile Store SVC - Eulji-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (삼성모바일SVC 을지로점)

355.5M 2024-04-18

5F, 51, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Great Shanghai (대상해)

358.1M 2020-02-07

135, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2171-7869

Great Shanghai is a Chinese restaurant serving deliciously genuine Sichuan and Beijing-style cuisine, located within the Koreana Hotel. Their specialty is shark's fin, directly imported from Sanji, and prepared by the head chef who has over 30 years of experience. Aside from shark's fin, the healthy buldojang, mapadubu and ddanddanmyeon are also top menus. Great Shanghai is decorated with high-quality interior design, and features rooms of various sizes for groups and business dinners.

Dalgaebi (달개비)

364.8M 2024-03-15

16 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-82-2-765-2035, 2068

Dalgaebi is a restaurant specializing in Korean table d'hote, using fresh seasonal ingredients. Its flagship menu is the teukseon sangcharim jeongsik (special set menu), which includes porridge, seasonal dishes, main courses, and desserts. The galbi sangcharim (galbi course), featuring premium Korean beef galbi grilled over charcoal and served with soybean paste jjigae, is also popular. Known for its private dining spaces and upscale ambiance, reservations can be made via phone.

Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun (교보문고)

370.6M 2024-12-04

1 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
02-3295-0312

Kyobo Book Centre is the first large-scale bookstore in Korea, and this particular store can be found next to Gwanghwamun Square. Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun divides its internal area into 11 sections and organizes them in a way that allows readers to find books easily. The store also has specialized shops for stationery, digital devices, and accessories, as well as exhibition spaces and cafés.

Hottracks - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (핫트랙스 광화문점)

372.0M 2024-04-23

1, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Baan Khun Kwan (반쿤콴(B.K.K))

379.6M 2021-04-12

20, Jong-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-725-1688

This restaurant is decorated in the 'Thai' style. The best menu at this restaurant is rice noodle soup with beef. This Thai (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

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