With Korea being an agricultural society, the nation’s foundation relied on its land and the grains produced from it. This is why people offered rituals from ancient times. In the Joseon dynasty, Sajikdan Altar was one of the two most crucial structures along with Jongmyo Shrine. Sajikdan Altar was established at its current location according to the law that dictates "with the palace in the center, Jongmyo Shrine shall be established to its left, and Sajikdan Altar to its right" in 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo), after the foundation of the Joseon dynasty (1392). The office that oversaw its management, rituals, and field-level works was called Sajikseo Office.
Sajikdan Altar served as the foundation of the Joseon dynasty along with Jongmyo Shrine. Here, people prayed for the nation’s peace and prosperity, as well as performed rituals for overcoming crises and droughts and asked for good harvest. Within the Sajikdan Altar premises are the main gate, Anhyangcheong Hall (a ritual house where incense and ritual prayers were kept), and Jeonsacheong Hall (the kitchen where ritual food was prepared).