Chhomsonde


Many of the sights of South Korea can be called the most unusual of its kind. For example, the Chhomsonde Observatory in Gyeongju City is the oldest astronomical observatory to date in Asia.

When and why did they build the observatory?

It was built during the time of the state of Silla, in 647, when the power was Queen Sondok (27th by the count of the ruler of Silla and at the same time the first queen). The very word "Chhomsonde" literally means "the tower in order to closely monitor the stars."

This ancient point of observation of the stars was built in order to:

In addition, Chhomsondae allows you to determine the time of both equinoxes and solstices, 224 solar periods and the location of the sides of the world.

What is unique about the observatory?

The tower has a cylindrical shape, slightly resembling a bottle, a height of 9.4 m and a base width of 5.7 m.

Total construction consists of 27 levels. During its construction, 362 granite stones were stacked on top of each other, according to the number of days in the lunar calendar. The most interesting thing is that they are not connected by any solution and are held only by the fact that the blocks are exactly matched to each other. They have stood like this for hundreds of years, absolutely not affected by the effects of nature.

Up to the 12th level, the tower is filled with stones and soil, and its upper part is hollow. The base and the top are square, while the stone rows (the sides of the "bottle") are round. The viewing window divides the observatory in half, 12 rows in the top and bottom.

Scientists suggest that the very construction of the 7th century is very symbolic: it stands on a square base (earth), has a rounded shape (sky), and the number 12 means the number of months of the year.

In 1962, the Chhomsonde Observatory was included in the list of National Treasures of Korea under No. 31. This in many ways was a harmonious combination of angles and straight lines of ancient construction.

Cost of visit

As in many museums, parks and cultural sites in Korea, the cost of visiting the observatory is different for different categories of the population:

Visit this place in the summer from 9:00 to 22:00, and in the winter - until 21:00.

The attraction is surrounded by a fence, so you can see it for free only from afar. Entering the territory, tourists can come close to the tower, appreciate the uniqueness of its design, as well as relax on benches and admire the surrounding nature. It is very beautiful here, especially in spring and summer, when bright flowers blossom on the flowerbeds. At night the tower is illuminated.

How to get there?

The Chhomsonde Observatory is located near the ancient capital of the state of Silla, the city ​​of Gyeongju . Public transport does not go here, so it's easiest to get to the facility by taxi or bicycle. Travel time is: