Hwangudan in Seoul (환구단)

Hwangudan Alter (환구단)

Hwangudan (or Wongudan) is located right at the heart of Seoul hidden inside the new structures of the modern metropolitan. It is close or just opposite of Seoul City Hall building and Plaza. However, this is not visible due to the modern buildings that cover it from people's view.

This altar was built in 1897 to serve as the place to perform rites of offerings to heaven. This has been designated as historic on 15 July 1967.

I took this photo during my second and evening visit with my friends.

Hwanggungu, where sacrificial tablets are being kept

 Performing the Rite of Heaven was performed during the pre-Three Kingdoms period. It was believed that the first king of Goryeo Dynasty, King Seongjong, performed the rite of heaven for bountiful harvest. The performance of this ritual has been practiced and then abolished but then practiced again briefly during the reign of King Sejo of Joseon Dynasty.

King Gojong who proclaimed the Korean Empire in 1897 again performed the ritual but was subsequently stopped when the Japanese came in 1910.


Photo 2. This was taken from outside the very low gate leading to the altar. This is one of the three important elements left undemolished.

 
Photo 3. I took this photo after our after lunch walking routine. As mentioned above, it is the Hwanggungu built on the northern side of the altar complex.

 Hwangudan Altar (환구단) Structure & Brief History

The location of this altar was carefully planned by its expert builders to make sure it mimics the natural and heavenly elements' positions, such as the stars, moon and sun.

The altar is a 3-story structure and especially designed granite stones for animal sacrifice during the ritual. During the Japanese occupation, the altar has been destroyed. During that imperial period, the Railroad Chosun Hotel was built where Wongudan Altar was standing.


Photo 4.  This is the description of this historical place.

The photo describes the whole place and its history. In order to see a bit more clearly, you may have to click the photo to expand its size.

As mentioned in the photo, only the altar has been demolished but the Hwanggungu was left untouched. Hwanggungu is a 3-storied octagonal building where ritual tablets are being kept. Aside from the altar we can still see the Hwanggungu, the three stone drums (photo below) and the gate to the altar. 

Photo 5. These round solid marble stones are suppose to be drums used during that period.

Three granite drums

 This important historical site is not as popular as the palaces nearby, but a place worth visiting and it doesn't take much time to explore although you might take some time to learn its background history.

The hotel that was originally built the the Imperial army was demolished and Westin Chosun Hotel took over its place. Most visitors of this hotel likes this place and they are mostly happy to learn that they are in a very historical site.

Yes, I found this place very interesting because I did not even know it exists giving its historical importance among the ancient Korean people especially in terms of worship.

Thanks for visiting.
Have fun!