Main Gate of Sajikdan Altar, Seoul

Sajikdan Altar is a place where rites were held to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation and its people and for a good harvest; sa (社) refers to the god of the earth and jik (稷) to the god of grain. Rituals were also performed there whenever the country faced a major crisis or suffered a drought. This gate, the main gate of Sajikdan Altar, was built together with the altar in 1394, the third year of King Taejo, but burned down during the Japanese invasions of 1592–1598. According to the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, it was rebuilt in 1720, the 46th year of King Sukjong, after having been tilted by a strong wind, from which it can be inferred that it had already been newly built after the Japanese invasions. The gate now stands 14 metres behind its original location, having been moved there in 1962 under a Seoul city urban plan. The building measures three bays across the front and two bays along the side, with a gable roof that, seen from the side, forms the shape of the character 人 (person). The decorative structure supporting the roof eaves uses beak-shaped members to support the beams above the columns. With its overall simple technique and sturdy construction, it is an architectural heritage that conveys both the formal dignity and the generous feel proper to the main gate of Sajikdan Altar.

AI Translation

Visiting

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Admission

Free

Parking

Available

Information

• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 <br>(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) <br> • For more info: +82-2-3140-8305

Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물