Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

1.6Km 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.

Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

1.6Km 2025-01-17

55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul Museum of History covers everything about Seoul's history and culture from the prehistoric era to modern times, focusing especially on the Joseon era. The museum aims to raise cultural awareness and build a strong bond within the community by collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying artifacts and materials related to Seoul as well as promoting the city's history and culture to an international audience.

Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink (서울광장 스케이트장)

1.6Km 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.

Gwangjang Market Hanbok Shops (광장시장 한복매장)

1.6Km 2019-09-16

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-0291

Unlike many other traditional markets, Kwangjang Market has preserved its rich history and maintained the feel of a traditional market, shying away from modernization. Operated by kind-hearted merchants that embody the warmth of the Korean people, the market is a great place to eat delicious food and purchase various items at inexpensive prices.

Hanbok shops in Kwangjang Market focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized hanbok, which are said to be more practical than their traditional counterpart. Beautiful hanbok are available at 30% off their average asking price.

Hadongkwan (Main Store) (하동관(본점))

1.6Km 2024-03-04

12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
02-776-5656

Hadongkwan has maintained its reputation as a famous gomtang (beef bone soup) restaurant in Myeongdong since 1939, renowned for its consistent flavor. It has also been recognized by the Michelin Guide. One of its distinctive features is the generous serving of various cuts of beef, including brisket, intestines, and tripe, in a single bowl of beef soup. During lunch hours, it's common to wait in line due to its popularity. Once the daily supply runs out, the restaurant closes for the day, and payment is made in advance.

Beer Ok (비어오크)

1.6Km 2021-03-29

151, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-745-0087

It's near the university, so it's a place frequented by many young people. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is rotisserie chicken.

Myeong-dong Sotttukkeong (명동솥뚜껑)

1.6Km 2021-03-20

14-4, Myeongdong, 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-773-5076

A place where you can try both soups and grilled pork with kimchi, one of the representative dishes of Koreans. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled pork belly. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Homeplus Express - Myeongnyun Branch (No. 2) [Tax Refund Shop] (홈플러스익스프레스 명륜2호)

1.6Km 2024-04-18

5, Hyehwa-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

-

Wondang Gamjatang Myeongdong (원당감자탕 명동)

1.6Km 2024-03-11

1F, 35, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-7612

Located in Myeongdong, a central and tourist area of Seoul, Wondang Gamjatang offers gamja tang (pork backbone stew) as their signature dish. Patrons have the option to other delectable menu such as bulgogi, jokbal bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with braised pigs' feet). It's popular with both Koreans and foreigners. As it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, one can visit anytime.

The Accidental Murderer(우연한 살인자)

1.6Km 2025-05-21

서울특별시 종로구 대학로 120 (동숭동)

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