Bosingak, Bell pavilion in Jongno District, South Korea

Bosingak is a two-storey wooden bell pavilion in Gwancheol-dong, Jongno-gu, measuring five bays wide and four deep. The present structure was rebuilt in 1979 in reinforced concrete on the site of the 1869 reconstruction, and a 1985 cast bell hangs inside. The name plaque above the opening was written by President Syngman Rhee after the Korean War.

The pavilion was built in 1396 during the Joseon Dynasty and originally contained a bell that signaled gate operations throughout the day. The original bell, cast in 1468, was eventually transferred to Korea's National Museum as a historical artifact.

The bell is struck 33 times at the New Year ceremony, a number meant to clear away the 33 worldly afflictions in Buddhist thought. Since 1994, ordinary citizens have joined Seoul's mayor and other officials in ringing it, and the event is broadcast live nationwide.

The pavilion sits next to Jonggak Station on Subway Line 1, making it easy to reach by public transit. Most days the site is open and features wheelchair-accessible facilities for all visitors.

The original Bosingak bell, cast in 1468 and designated Treasure No. 2 in 1948, is no longer in the pavilion: it is displayed at the National Museum of Korea, while a replica hangs in its place. The bell's origins are uncertain because it bears no inscriptions; records link it to Queen Sindeok's tomb and Wongaksa Temple before King Seonjo had it moved here.