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

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

1.0Km    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.

Hyundai Kalguksu (현대칼국수)

Hyundai Kalguksu (현대칼국수)

1.0Km    2020-06-16

76, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-9504

Hyundai Kalguksu is a kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) restaurant that has been in the family for two generations (1982). The restaurant is extremely popular among people working at nearby businesses, thanks to the rich flavor of the broth. Anchovies, dried pollack heads, and kelp are simmered for many hours, and then, other ingredients are added: soft noodles and various vegetables including pumpkin, onion, and green onions. The restaurant is famous for the exquisite taste of its kalguksu, as well as for its large servings. Just one bowl is enough to satisfy a starving man, but if you are still hungry, don’t hesitate to ask for more rice or noodles for free. Another unforgettable specialty here is kimchi. You will also be able to enjoy geotjeori (freshly made kimchi) and kkakdugi (sliced white-radish kimchi), which is fermented for about three days.

Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

1.0Km    2024-10-29

129, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

The alley that connects from Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station, Exit 4 is full of people eating dried young pollack and drinking beers at tables along the street every night. Under the bright lamp lights, plastic tables filled with customers can be seen. The first Nogari pub, Eulji OB Bear, opened in November 1980 to form what is now the Euljiro Nogari Alley. Euljiro also has the largest Printing Alley in the nation, providing printing for almost all books and printed materials across the country. The shift workers would stop by the pub for dried young pollack and cold beer before heading home after work, leading to more restaurants opening nearby until the alley was formed. In the beginning dried young pollack was cooked over a briquet fire and served with red pepper paste, but now, the alley is full of pubs and restaurants serving various types of food, but nothing beats nogari and cold draft beer.  

Chuseok Agricultural Specialty Products Seoul Market (추석 농수특산물 서울장터)

Chuseok Agricultural Specialty Products Seoul Market (추석 농수특산물 서울장터)

1.0Km    2024-09-04

12 Eulji-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-6658

Chuseok Agricultural Specialty Products Seoul Market is held at Seoul Plaza, providing Seoulites with the opportunity to purchase high-quality agricultural specialty products from across the nation in one location.

Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony & Experience (숭례문 파수의식 / 원데이! 파수군)

Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony & Experience (숭례문 파수의식 / 원데이! 파수군)

1.0Km    2024-03-12

40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
010-2802-2133

The Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony is a reenactment of the changing of the guards who protected the fortress walls around the capital city during the Joseon dynasty. During this change, the gates would be opened for the off-duty guards to go out and replace those finishing their shift of walking along the walls.

Olive Young - CJ THE CENTER Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 씨제이남산더센터)

1.0Km    2024-04-18

12, Sowol-ro 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Redtable Inc (주식회사 레드테이블)

1.0Km    2025-08-20

10F, SIGNATURE TOWER(WEST),100,Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

We are a Google partner in Korea that provides services for searching, inquiries, consultations, bookings, and payments related to hospitals, wellness centers, and aesthetic services on Google. 

We focus on attracting global tourists from English-speaking countries, Japan, and other Asian regions.

Additionally, Redtable Inc is an official agency of Meituan-Dianping (the largest integrated platform in China), specializing in marketing and promotions for the Chinese market.

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)

1.1Km    2021-12-30

40, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4622

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong and Da-dong are widely known among international visitors as hot spots for shopping and food.

Myeong-dong is a popular destination for shopping, culture, arts and fashion. Major shopping malls such as Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore and Samik Fashion Town are located here. Shoppers can find a variety of products here from high-end items to relatively inexpensive clothes. There’s also no shortage of street food, traditional restaurants, coffee shops and fancy cafes.

Namdaemun Market is the biggest traditional market in Korea. Visitors can purchase souvenirs and local produce at an affordable price in the shopping complex crowded with stores and street stalls. The market sells a variety of clothes, kitchenware, toys, accessories, food, flowers and imported goods.

Bukchang-dong and Sogong-dong have high-end accommodations including Lotte Hotel Seoul and Westin Chosun Seoul, duty-free shops, and restaurants serving traditional dishes.

[Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong Special Tourist Zone]
Areas included: Myeong-dong, Bukchang-dong, Mugyo-dong and Da-dong, Seoul
Area size: 872,809 ㎡
Tourist attractions: Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong, Department Stores (Lotte Department and Shinsegae Department Store, etc.), Traditional Market, Duty-free Shop, Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, etc.

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

1.1Km    2024-11-27

40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. Passageways for traffic are located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun Gate’s tablet has its name written vertically.

On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate was re-opened to the public again on May 4, 2013.

Mugyodong Geujip (무교동그집)

Mugyodong Geujip (무교동그집)

1.1Km    2021-03-18

8, Namdaemun-ro 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-319-0075

This Korean cuisine is located near Euljiro 1(il)ga Station, Seoul. The representative menu is assorted savory pancakes. A great store to visit on a rainy day.