When Seoul was founded during the Joseon period, the location of Sajikdan was prescribed by the ritual bureaucratic text Rites of Zhou.[1][4] The shrine was created in 1395.[4] Along with the royal palace Gyeongbokgung and the shrine Jongmyo, Sajikdan is a fundamental symbol of the new capital city.[4]
On this square altar were honored on key moments of the lunar calendar the national deities of earth (Sa) and grains (Jik).
Certain ceremonies have been recently revived in the square altars.