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

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

672.5M    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.

Metro Hotel (메트로호텔)

677.1M    2021-05-11

14, Myeongdong 9ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-1112

Metro Hotel is located in the heart of Seoul situated in the middle of Myeongdong. The hotel has a title of being the first tourist hotel in Korea and boasts over 50 years of tradition.

Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink (서울광장 스케이트장)

677.6M    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.

Ilbeonji Yang Daechang Myeongdong Branch (일번지양대창 명동)

677.7M    2024-03-15

2F, 33 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-773-3150

Ilbeonji Yang Daechang is a specialty restaurant for grilled beef or pork small intestines located on Myeongdong Street. Its main menu features various intestines of beef or pork, including large and small intestines, grilled in the Korean barbecue style. Additionally, they offer options like grilled beef and pork galbi, as well as small intestine hot pot.

Rakeusyun (라크슌)

677.6M    2021-03-20

97-6, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-8815

A place where you can enjoy Japanese and fusion dishes cooked by the owner and chef with 20 years’ experience. This Japanese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is tonkotsu instant noodles.

Minsokchon (민속촌)

677.7M    2021-08-06

33, Myeongdong, 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-779-8371

A place where you can try various Korean dishes. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled strip loin. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Uesto (우에스토)

677.1M    2021-08-23

14, Myeongdong 9ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-319-0033

It is a restaurant frequented by office workers in Myeong-dong. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is katsudon.

Re-Heater(리히터)

678.8M    2025-05-21

서울특별시 중구 세종대로19길 16 (정동)

Haengbokan Kongiyagi (행복한콩이야기)

684.2M    2021-03-22

89-11, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2274-2247

A hidden restaurant frequented by workers in Jongno. This restaurant's signature menu is bean sprout and rice soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Suncheonga (순천가)

688.1M    2021-03-22

109-2, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0398

A beloved restaurant in Jongno where you can enjoy both Korean BBQ and stew menus. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is grilled pork belly.