Hwangudan (Korean: 환구단) was a shrine complex that still partially stands in Jung District, Seoul, South Korea.

The complex consisted of two main buildings: a coronation site and Hwanggungu (황궁우; 皇穹宇; lit.

The coronation site was demolished by the Japanese colonial government and replaced with the Josun Railway Hotel (조선철도호텔).

The complex has gone by a number of other names, including Wongudan (원구단; 圜丘壇), Jecheondan (제천단; 祭天壇) and Wondan (원단; 圜壇).

[8][9] In preparation to ascend the throne, on October 11, 1897,[8] King Gojong began to perform the full sacrificial rites for the first time in centuries.

[10][4] The historic Korean newspaper The Independent published the following about the occasion:[6][a] Beginning at 2:30 p.m. on the 11th, battalions of soldiers were tightly arranged on each side of the road from Gyeongunggung (Deoksugung) to Hwangudan.

After arriving at Hwangudan, they inspected the many-colored objects to be used for the ceremony, and returned to the palace around 4 p.m... [It rained heavily on the morning of the twelfth, but people faithfully performed their duties].

At 2 a.m. on the 12th, the Emperor arrived at the shrine again in high spirits, performed jesa to heaven, and announced his ascendency to the imperial throne.

[12][13] Despite the celebrations, Korea was only nominally independent; it was then quickly drifting under the influence of the Empire of Japan, which eventually formally colonized it in 1910.

[13][12] The site has gone by a number of other names over time, including Wongudan (원구단; 圜丘壇), Jecheondan (제천단; 祭天壇) and Wondan (원단; 圜壇).

As a symbolic gesture, civilians were invited to audition for various roles in the ceremony, and were selected to play officials, guards, palanquin bearers, and the royal family.

[14] In addition, three stone drums (석고단; 石鼓壇; Seokgodan) that feature dragon decorations are nearby Hwanggungu.