Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

532.4M 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.

Myeongdong Hanubang (명동한우방)

532.2M 2021-03-18

37-5, Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-8132

This is a Korean cuisine located in Myeong-dong, Seoul. A Korean BBQ restaurant. The representative menu is grilled thin skirt.

Beauty Play Myeongdong (뷰티플레이 명동)

532.8M 2024-12-27

73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Beauty Play is a K-beauty experience center operated by the Korea Cosmetics Industry Institute and supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It offers a wide variety of sample Korean beauty products for testing as well as diverse beauty experience programs such as makeup touch-up service (choice of base, eyes, or lips), personal color test, and skin evaluation. Visitors can also ask for product recommendation based on their skin type or skincare concerns. Beauty Play also frequently hosts beauty seminars and one-day classes, which are announced online via its official website. International tourists can apply for a full makeup service with an advance reservation free of charge.

Beauty Play has two branches in Seoul: one in Myeong-dong, which is located across from Myeongdong Cathedral; and one in Hongdae. Beauty Play experience programs are avilabe from 10:00 to 18:00 everyday except Sundays.

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

534.7M 2023-11-06

42-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namdaemun Market is a massive market in Seoul filled with history and traditions. In the market, there is a place where people can dine without worrying about time or money, in an unmistakably Korean atmosphere, and that is the Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley). The alley is lined with stalls selling similar fare, and people sit down in front of them, shoulder to shoulder, to enjoy their meal. Namdaemun Market’s Gourmand Alley specializes in noodle soup and steamed barley rice sets. The latter is a mixture of rice and barley, which is then steamed together. Its call to popularity is the nutty flavor imparted by barley. It has a healthy taste like no other, so make sure to check it out. Each order often comes with two or three separate menus (noodle soup, steamed rice, cold buckwheat noodles, etc.), along with a sumptuous array of side dishes like kimchi. Because this spot is beloved by diners of all ages, one often has to wait to get one’s turn during meal hours or on weekends. Keep in mind that the alley’s age often manifests itself in its crowdedness and lower attention to hygiene.
Another thing to note is that first-time visitors often find it difficult to find the entrance to the alley. The entrance is the transparent plastic door right next to “Segye-ro Eyeglasses Shop,” which can be found right across from Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4. The door is rather small and difficult to find, but once you enter the doorway, you will immediately see the stalls unfolding in front of your eyes.

TV program “Life Masters (2005-)”
TV program “A Walk Around the Neighborhood (2018-2022)”

NOBIZIB (너비집)

536.9M 2021-03-24

37-8, Myeongdong, 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-756-4084

This restaurant is famous for spicy Galbijjim (braised short ribs). This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is spicy braised short ribs.

Myeong-dong (명동)

537.4M 2024-05-17

66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-778-0333

Myeong-dong is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. The two main streets meet in the center of the block with one beginning from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4) and the other from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro. Many brand name shops and department stores line the streets and alleys. Common products for sale include clothes, shoes, and accessories. Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many designer brands are sold in Myeong-dong. In addition, several major department stores have branches here, including Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza. The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices.

Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, plus Korean, Western and Japanese dining options. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in dongaseu (pork cutlet) and kalguksu (noodle soup). Other businesses in the area include hair salons, banks and theaters.

Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center (명동관광정보센터)

537.5M 2023-01-03

66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-778-0333

Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center provides information on traveling, shopping, attractions, and more in Seoul. Service is provided in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. The center also offers experience programs like using Hangeul stamps.

Janggeumi Jeonjip (장금이전집)

539.7M 2021-03-20

147-9, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-5279

As a place well-known among not only Koreans but also foreigners, it sells a variety of Korean dishes. The best menu at this restaurant is stir-fried seafood. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Olive Young - City Hall Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 시청역)

539.7M 2024-04-22

1, Sejong-daero 16-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

542.6M 2024-04-19

48, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

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