Chamseongdan Incheon

Chamseongdan Incheon

Chamseongdan is a natural stone formation rising to a height of about five meters in height. It is located on the northern face of Mt. Manisan. Chamseongdan is popularly regarded to be an altar, where the devotees used to offer sacrifices seeking Gods’ mercy and benedictions. The sacrifices are believed to have been offered some 4,000 years ago. Such a past is a qualification enough for Chamseongdan, Incheon to be regarded as a national treasure.

Chamseongdan underwent renovation in 1270 under the caring rule of Goryeo Wonjong’s and since then it has under gone many subsequent renovations. It is believed that in the past great kings of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla Kingdoms all choose Chamseongdan as a spot to communicate their veneration to God through sacrifices. The practice of sacrifices continued till the early twentieth century. The vestiges of such a practice reemerge on Gaecheonjeol Day. On this day, the Koreans make a beeline to Chamseongdan and there they offer sacrifices to Dangun; the athletic events of national stature are all heralded with a sacred flame lit here.

Chamseongdan is shaped in a most unusual way, which has contributed to its hallowed image. It is circular as it goes down with a rectangular top. Placed as it is between Mt. Baekdusan and Mt. Hallasan, Chamseongdan overlooks the islands in the West Sea, which look less formidable and a lot more inviting.

Mt. Manisan on which Chamseongdan is located, is about 4, 95.4 mts above the sea level and is the highest mountain in Ganghwa; the entire mountain was declared a National Tour Site in 1977. The view of Gyeonggi area from the peak is simply awe-inspiring. The uphill climb is quite popular among the visitors for the panoramic images of the sea that it brings to view.

To reach Mt. Manisan from Sinchon, one should take a bus bound to Mt. Manisan from Sinchon Intercity Bus Terminal.

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