Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

Address

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 소공로 112 (소공동)

Type

Monuments/ Historical Sites

Inquiries

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

Homepage

tour.junggu.seoul.kr
(Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)

jikimi.cha.go.kr/english
(Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)

Introduction

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.

Telephone

+82-2-3396-5882

Current Status

[Wongudan (Hwangudan) Altar] Historic Site No.157 (designated on July 15, 1967)