South Korea is a home to Cheomseongdae Observatory. The world’s first astronomical laboratory, built during the mid-600’s At Gyeongju.

“Cheomseongdae“(첨성대) means Star-gazing tower in Korean. According to Samguk Yusa, It was constructed in the 7th Century in the kingdom of Silla, under the reign of Queen Seondeok (632-647) near the capital of the kingdom - Seorabeol i.e. Gyeongju (present name).

Cheomseongdae stands 9.17 meters high and consists of three parts: a stylobate or a base upon which a column is constructed, a curved cylindrical body, and a square top. Midway up the body stands a square window and entrance to the inside of the structure. When viewed from above, Cheomseongdae resembles the Korean hanja character 井 (Hangul: 정 "jeong"), i.e. "well."

The square stylobate base is 5.7 meters wide and built from a single layer of 12 rectangular stones. From the base to the window, the tower is filled with earth and rubble.

The cylindrical body of the tower is built out of 365 pieces of cut granite, symbolizing the number of days in a year. The central hole or window separates the body into 12 layers of stones both above and below, symbolizing the 12 months in a year and the 24 solar terms. Additionally, the 12 stones which comprise the stylobate may also reference the 12 months.

Cheomseongdae's original appearance and shape has remained unchanged for over 1300 years; however the structure now tilts slightly to the north-east.

Cheomseongdae was designated at the country’s 31st national treasure on December 20, 1962. Modeled On Baekje's Jeomseongdae which now exists only in the historical records.



©️Copyright: Dipal Mehta a.k.a. Kim Yeseung