Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

2.1Km 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.

Insa-dong Maneul Bossam (인사동마늘보쌈)

2.1Km 2024-03-18

12-5 Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-7885

Insa-dong Maneul Bossam is a Korean restaurant nestled in the alleys of Insa-dong. Specializing in dishes like maneul bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with pork and garlic), kimchi jjim (braised kimchi), nakji bokkeum (stir-fried octopus), buchujeon (chive pancake), kimchijeon (kimchi pancake), yeolmu naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with young summer radish kimchi), and bam makgeolli (unrefined chestnut rice wine). Their signature dish, the bossam jeongsik (kimchi cabbage wraps with pork set menu), features pork belly boiled in a secret broth, served with a sweet garlic sauce for dipping, along with seaweed soup, fresh vegetables for wrapping, dried radish salad, and side dishes. They also offer set menus for two people, and neomu hansang set menu.

River View [Korea Quality] (리버뷰(River View)[한국관광 품질인증])

2.1Km 2024-07-25

191, Dokseodang-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
+82-10-3539-1689

Riverview is a foreigner-only homestay apartment on Dokseokdang-ro in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Public transportation links are good so guests can travel round the city with ease. Accommodation is in personal bedrooms, with a shared living room and kitchen. A washing machine can be used free of charge, and breakfast is provided. Situated on the 12th floor, the apartment has great views of the Hangang River and the surrounding mountains. The Hangang Cycle Path runs close by, and riding the path on a rented bike is highly recommended.

Korean Craft Hall (한국공예관)

2.1Km 2021-07-08

33, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-3301

The Korean Craft Hall, located in Insa-dong, displays and sells Korean crafts by artists in Cheongju. It presents over 100 different kinds of crafts including crafts related to Jikji (the oldest remaining book in the world using the metal printing method). Customers are exposed to rich informaton on Jikji and the International Craft Biennale. Main products include neckties (using metal printing), pottery, textile crafts, jewelry, and products using Korean traditional patterns and handwritings.

Jidaebang (지대방)

2.1Km 2021-03-29

33, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-5379

It is a traditional tea house where you can learn how to drink tea. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is chrysanthemum tea.

Choryuhyang (초유향)

2.1Km 2017-11-23

24-10, Dadong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

This restaurant's feature items are its Samseon-nurungjitang, Dongpayuk, and Seafood Galbi. Seafood is plentiful in the Samseon-nurungjitang, making for a delicous soup base to which nicely browned rice is added later. When the browned rice is added to the soup base, a loud crackling noise is heard, which signals the beginning of a delicious meal.

Choedaegamne (최대감네)

2.1Km 2024-03-18

12-3 Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-9355

Choedaegamne is a traditional Korean restaurant located in a hanok in Insa-dong, with a garden and a pond, and has been in operation for over 100 years. One of their popular dishes is the sangchu shabu jeongsik (shabu with rice in a cabbage set menu), where vegetables and meat are cooked in a broth and then enjoyed with noodles, served with a small rice ball on lettuce. They also offer a so galbijjim jeongsik (steamed beef ribs set menu) and bulgogi jeongsik (bulgogi set menu), served with lotus leaf rice and soybean paste jjigae. After the meal, guests can enjoy tea in the garden.

Yonggeumok (용금옥)

2.1Km 2024-03-13

24-2, Dadong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-1689

Established in 1932, Yonggeumok specializes in Seoul-style chutang (loach soup), renowned for using whole loach in its preparation. This method distinguishes it from the more commonly known Namwon-style chutang, which involves grinding the loach. At Yonggeumok, guests can savor the tender and savory texture of the loach flesh in their chutang, offering a unique and authentic dining experience.

Yetchatjip (옛찻집)

2.1Km 2024-03-18

33-1 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-5332

Yetchatjip in Insa-dong offers a variety of teas including ssanghwacha (medicinal herb tea), jujube tea, lotus leaf tea, ginger tea, and citrus tea. Their signature dish during the summer is the yennal patbingsu (old-fashioned shaved ice with red beans), topped with sweet red bean and sweet rice cakes, served on finely shaved ice. Additionally, they offer traditional Korean snacks such as grilled rice cake stick, yakgwa (honey cookie), and traditional Korean sweets to accompany the tea.

Insa-dong Chatjip (인사동찻집)

2.1Km 2024-03-15

33-1 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-4909

Insa-dong Chatjib is a traditional hanok tea house located in Insa-dong. Here, you can enjoy a variety of traditional teas brewed in-house. One of their signature menu items is the hobak sikhye (pumpkin sweet rice punch). They also offer other options such as jujube tea, ginger tea, and more. Many people visit to enjoy a leisurely time sipping tea in the serene atmosphere of the hanok. Nearby attractions include Ssamzigil and the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, making it a great place to explore together.

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