Hwangudan Altar

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.157

Category

유적지

Era

고종 34년(1897)

Designated year

1967

Location

중구, 서울특별시— 서울 중구 소공동 87-14번지

Coordinates

37.564966, 126.979795

This is called Jecheondan or Wondan, where people hold a rite for the Heavens. Such custom is believed to have started with the beginning of agriculture, becoming a national rite since the Three Kingdoms Period. Held first in February of the 2nd year of the reign of King Seongjong of the Goryeo Dynasty, Wonguje (rite of serving the Heavens) was repeatedly held and abolished during the Goryeo period and during the Joseon Dynasty. It was abolished in the early Joseon, reinforced in the 2nd year of the reign of King Sejo (1456) with the construction of Wongudan Altar, but prohibited again following the last rite in the 10th year of the reign of King Sejo (1464). It was not held until King Gojong changed the name of the nation from Joseon to Daehanjeguk and assumed the title "emperor" for himself in the 34th year of his reign (1897). All that remains of Wongudan are Hwanggungu -- an octagonal nine-story building built in 1899 -- and three plaster figures symbolizing a musical instrument and bearing the splendid carving of dragons. Wongudan was destroyed by the Japanese invaders in 1913.

Location