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Oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia
Welcome to the peaceful, flower-filled fields surrounding Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. The low, rolling hills of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, stretch out quietly around this famous stone tower.
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1. It stands 9.17 meters high
We stand before the iconic structure, which translates literally as the "star-gazing tower" in Korean. Its unique bottle-like silhouette stands proudly at 9.17 meters high, a beautiful combination of straight lines and smooth curves.
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The construction of Cheomseongdae dates back to the 7th century, specifically during the reign of the Silla Kingdom's 27th ruler, Queen Seondeok (632–647 CE). This period was marked by an advanced interest in in science and astrology, which were deemed vital for political and agricultural stability.
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2. A Tower of Symbols
Built with 362 granite stones, Cheomseongdae represents the lunar year. Many scholars believe the 27 stacked layers of the cylindrical body symbolize Queen Seondeok herself.
3. Cheomseongdae's Astronomical Purpose
Historically, this tower was used by astronomers to monitor the stars, planets, and celestial events. Their observations were critical for determining the seasons and calculating the 24 solar terms, which guided farmers on when to plant and harvest crops.
Cheomseongdae ObservatoryProvince of Gyeongsangbuk-do
4. A Treasured Landmark
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cheomseongdae no longer functions as an observatory. Instead, it serves as a monument to Silla's scientific and architectural ingenuity. [Read more]
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