Cheomseongdae Observatory | |
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Ch'eomseongdae (designated National Treasure #31) means "Star
Gazing Tower." Built during the reign of Queen Seonduk in 634, it is the oldest existing
observatory in the Far East. It has 27 levels of stones in a round shape (Queen Seonduk was the
27th ruler of the Shilla Dynasty) with four sets of parallel bars to make a square-shaped structure
on its top. The ends of the parallel bars jut out several inches from the surface and might have
been a support for a staircase used to reach the top.
The 12 rectangular base stones are positioned in a square, three on each side, representing the four
seasons and twelve months of each year. The twelve tiers of stones to the window entrance and twelve
tiers above the window opening also represent the 12 months of the year (or the 12 symbols of the
zodiac). For over two thousand years, astronomers studied the movements of stars and planets and
charted them. They predicted solar and lunar eclipses, as well as the courses of comets. Court
astrologers reported and interpreted their findings to the King who would then act according to
their predictions.
The stars dictated all aspects of policy making: agricultural developments, celebrations, wars, and
other events and festivals. Astrology also shaped people's views of life and the universe. Koreans
still tend to believe that the exact time of birth for each person is closely governed by the heavens.
(See the Oriental Astrolgy Cultural
Spotlight for more information.)Hours: 09:00 ~ 22:00 Admission: Adults: 500 won (300 won) Youths: 300 won (200 won) Children: 200 won (150 won) Directions: Gyeongbu Expressway -> go straight at the crossroad of #35 National Road -> turn left at #7 National Road -> Anapji Pond -> Cheomseongdae Observatory 
See related tour(s). | |
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