Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

3.2Km 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.

Olive Young - Hannam Ogeori Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 한남오거리)

3.2Km 0 2024-04-16

1F, 65-1, Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Meal° (Seongsu) (밀도 성수점)

3.2Km 0 2023-10-23

96, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Meal° (Seongsu) is a bakery located in front of Seongdong-gu Citizens' Sports Center, near Exit 1 of Seoul-forest Station (Suin–Bundang Line). Because the shop has no parking lot, visitors are advised to utilize buses, subways, and other public transportation when visiting. The shop itself is rather small, so it operates on a take-out-only basis. One can, however, opt to have the bread delivered. Signature menus include plain and rich bread, honey rusk, chocolate and honey rusk, cube custard, and strawberry jam bread. Other menus include scones, cube bread with streusel, and sandwiches. Nearby sites include Seongsu-dong Cafe Street, Seongsu Handmade Shoes Park, Seoulsup Forest, and Ttukseom Recreation Area.

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

3.2Km 1026640 2024-05-17

37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4161

Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. As Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual neighborhood with people's homes, visitors are advised to be respectful at all times while looking around.

Ilsong Kalguksu (일송칼국수)

3.2Km 135 2021-03-18

44, Seonggyungwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0880

This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. A store serving dishes at low prices. The best menu at this restaurant is noodle soup with clams.

Mend Clinic [Tax Refund Shop] (멘드의원)

3.2Km 0 2024-04-19

3F, #305, 70, Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Insa-dong (인사동)

3.2Km 873652 2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Bukchon Cultural Center (북촌문화센터)

3.2Km 41875 2021-05-31

37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-1371

Bukchon Cultural Center, located in a hanok, was established to offer traditional cultural experience opportunities for visitors to the area. The programs include tea ceremony, handicraft, and gugak as well as a Public Relations Exhibition Hall introducing Bukchon culture and hanok. Also, the center houses a space and a pavilion for visitors to relax while traveling.

Bugeogukjip (북어국집)

3.2Km 10919 2022-02-18

38, Eulji-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-3891

Bugeogukjip (formerly “Teojutgol”) is a restaurant behind City Hall in Seoul that has been serving up authentic dried Pollack soup since 1968. Despite a name change, the restaurant has proudly stood in this same location for decades, earning a strong reputation for its dried Pollack soup made using traditional cooking methods.

Since the restaurant only serves one thing—dried Pollack soup—there are few preparations to be made and the meal arrives on your table in minutes. Customers are free to serve themselves basic side dishes such as kimchi and can have as many servings of rice as they’d like, allowing diners to enjoy a hearty meal at a low price. While the restaurant’s design and menu may be simple, Bugeogukjip takes pride in its long history and the careful efforts that have earned it a reputation as one of the most notable restaurants in Seoul.

Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon (북촌 8경)

3.2Km 58525 2024-03-18

37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4161

The Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon can be found at the Bukchon Hanok Village between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Bukchon was historically a district where the aristocracy of Joseon had resided in, so it is still home to a large number of traditional dwellings, called hanok in Korean. The eight views are as follows: No. 1, view of Chengdeokgung Palace; No. 2, view of Wonseo-dong Handicraft Road; No. 3, view of the Gahoe-dong area; No. 4, view from the hill at Gahoe-dong (Bukchon Observatory); No. 5, the view of the road uphill at Gahoe-dong; No. 6, the view of the road downhill at Gahoe-dong; No. 7, the view at house number (beonji) 31, Gahoe-dong; No. 8, the view of the stone stairway at Samcheong-dong.

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