Kaesong Chomsongdae

Kaesong Chomsongdae
Chosŏn'gŭl 개성첨성대
Hancha 開城瞻星臺
Revised Romanization Gaeseong Cheomseongdae
McCune–Reischauer Kaesŏng Ch'ŏmsŏngdae

The Kaesong Chomsongdae Observatory is located in Songak-dong, Kaesong, North Korea. It was an astronomical observatory during the Koryo period. Now only a granite platform remains, the sides of which coincide with the main cardinal points.[1]

Dating from the early 10th century, it is regarded as the oldest structure for astronomical surveys in the world (together with its counterpart in Kyongju). The Goryeosa describes the structure: “Chomsongdae is west of the Manwoldae. It looks like a squared watchtower made of stone columns, seven chok (210cm) on each side and eight chok high (240cm). In the old days there was an apparatus for surveying the heavens, but now it is covered heavily with ivy and is antique-looking.”[2] In 1936, the structure was described as follows: "The present status of the observatory consists of a stone platform about ten feet square supported by five upright stones ten feet high. On the top of the platform at the corners are holes in the stones about six inches in diameter that appear like footings for pillars to support another story." [3]

It is listed as one of the National Treasures of North Korea. A one-third scale model of the Observatory is on display at the Korean Central History Museum.[4] A larger model is also in front of the National Science Museum in South Korea, featured as an outdoor exhibit.[5]

References

  1. ↑ KCNA (2003–2014). World Cultural Heritage-Historical Relics in Kaesong. Korea Computer Center in DPRKorea & Foreign Languages Publishing House. Event occurs at 09:19. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  2. ↑ Jo Yong Phal (2013). NOMINATION of THE HISTORIC MONUMENTS AND SITES IN KAESONG for Inscription on the World Heritage List (PDF) (Technical report). Korean Cultural Preservation Centre. Chok: Measuring unit used in the old East. One chok corresponds to 30 cm today.
  3. ↑ Rufus, W. Carl (1936). "Astronomy in Korea". Transactions of the Korea Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (RASKB) XXVI: 1–48. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  4. ↑ The Korean Central History Museum. Pyongyang: Korea Pictorial. 2006. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Outdoor Exhibits- Goryeo Cheomseongdae". National Science Museum. 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2015. A replica of Goryeo Cheomseongdae built at Manwoeldae of Gaeseong, installed with a HonCheonUi (a celestial globe) and sundial, is on disply. Goryeo Cheomseongdae is estimated to date back to the Goryeo era when the kingdom had a separate agency responsible for astronomic and meteorological observation.

Coordinates: 37°58′29″N 126°31′50″E / 37.9747°N 126.5306°E / 37.9747; 126.5306

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