Renewal:2016-12-27 18:55:03

Hwangudan Altar 환구단

  • +82-2-3396-5881, 5882
  • seoul.kr
112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 소공로 112 (소공동))

Wongudan (Hwangudan) 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 Wongudan (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 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.

Utilization information

・Information : • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-3396-5881, 5882
(Korean)

Access

[Subway]
From City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 2), Exit 6.
- Walk past The Plaza Hotel and keep walking toward Hotel President.
- Turn right just after Hotel President to arrive at Hwangudan.
(about 7-min walk from the station)

From Eulji-ro 1-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 8.
- Walk straight ahead for 210m and turn left just before Hotel President to arrive at Hwangudan.
(about a 5-min walk from the station)

From Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 5.
- Walk for about 330m until you reach Seoul City Hall.
- Cross the plaza in front of City Hall and walk toward Hotel President.
- Take the alley behind Hotel President to arrive at Hwangudan.
(about a 15-min walk from the station)

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul


Traffic information

  • Subway Line 2 City Hall (시청)- 215.3m
  • Subway Line 1 City Hall (시청)- 215.3m
  • Subway Line 2 Euljiro 1(il)ga (을지로입구)- 291.9m
  • Subway Line 1 Jonggak (종각)- 633m
  • Subway Line 5 Gwanghwamun (Sejong Center for the Performing Arts) (광화문(세종문화회관))- 697.6m

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