Cheomseongdae Observatory

Historical place · Gyeongju-Si

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Historical place · Gyeongju-Si

1

839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Photos

Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/400527... (Flickr CC)
Cheomseongdae Observatory by http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kor... (Wikipedia CC)
Cheomseongdae Observatory by josinevanheek (Atlas Obscura User)
Cheomseongdae Observatory by katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
Cheomseongdae Observatory by http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kor... (Wikipedia CC)
Cheomseongdae Observatory by http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamgn/400449... (Flickr CC)
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null
Cheomseongdae Observatory by null

Highlights

Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia, a charming 7th-century stone tower symbolizing the lunar year, set in a picturesque park perfect for strolls and sunset photography.  

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839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Get directions

korean.visitkorea.or.kr

Information

Static Map

839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea Get directions

korean.visitkorea.or.kr

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"Numbers are important at Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia. Though the observatory’s age (it dates back to the 7th century Silla Kingdom of modern-day South Korea) can serve to obscure the original purposes of its design, some have claimed there is numerical significance imbued within every brick. Cheomseongdae, which roughly translates to “star-gazing tower,” is a cylindrical structure composed of 362 granite blocks, which some claim represents the 362 days of the lunar year. In total, there are 27 circular layers of stones, a number believed to reference the 27th ruler of the Silla Kingdom, Queen Seondeok, during whose reign the observatory was built. This numbers game continues further, as a window is placed strategically with 12 layers of stones above and 12 layers below, symbolizing the months of the year or the signs of the Zodiac. And if that weren’t enough symbolism for one small building, the four-sided base is also thought to represent the seasons. But regardless of the hidden numerical messages, the observatory is interesting in its own right. As one of the oldest scientific sites in the world, Cheomseongdae provides a window into how astronomy was conducted many hundreds of years ago. In those times, the line between astronomy and astrology was considerably blurred, and “astronomers” often reported their findings to the king’s court so that various decisions of governance could be made based on celestial activities. Despite its use for astrological predictions, Cheomseongdae was also the site of more traditional astronomical research. From the top of the tower, state-appointed astronomers made continuous observations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, developing the ability to predict eclipses and chart the trajectories of comets. In fact, Cheomseongdae’s importance, in both the histories of Korea and astronomy, earned it the distinction of national treasure in 1962 and its image can even be found on Korean coins." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

12 Ancient Scientific Instruments You Can Still See Today
View Postcard for Cheomseongdae

Shi Min Ng

Google
it's famous and also the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. there's some sunflower fields and other flower fields beside this area (but temporary). apart from the structure there isn't really anything else but you can walk to other attractions from here

Stephanie Wun

Google
Interesting historic place, but veer off to the right and you’ll get some great photo opportunities nearby the sunflower garden :)

Vince Choo

Google
Very interesting piece of ancient Asian history and artifact that is free of charge to enter and view. The tower is cordoned off and the immediate surrounding area is sparse offering only a fragrant Yuzu tree. Not too crowded when we visited (deliberately went on a weekday)

Stephen

Google
Wonderful sceneries at one of the oldest buildings at the Observatory. It is actually smaller than I thought, but you can feel the history when roaming around this area. On a sunny day you can walk around in this area and visit the beautiful rose field just nearby this observatory.

Rob Doorey

Google
So much amazing history in this region, one of the many great sightseeing opportunities. We visited in winter…it would be even brighter and more amazing in spring. No tickets required. History: It’s believed that Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory and is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, possibly the world. Constructed in the 7th century in the kingdom of Silla, whose capital was Seorabeol, or present-day Gyeongju. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647) Unbelievable that it has lasted this many years…amazing!

Marga Weinisch

Google
I liked a lot the park around the observatory. People relaxing, flying kites..having a sunset walk. The observatory does ad a piece to the historical view of Gyongu, but it is not so informative as the thombs.

R

Google
Cheomseongdae Observatory is one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in the world, located in Gyeongju, South Korea. Built during the Silla Dynasty in the 7th century, it was used to observe the stars and predict astronomical events. The structure is made of 362 stones, symbolizing the number of days in a lunar year, and its unique bottle-shaped design stands about 9 meters tall. The observatory is situated within a large park, surrounded by other historical landmarks like the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Gyerim Forest, making it a convenient stop while exploring Gyeongju. There is no need to spend a lot of time at the site, as the main attraction is the exterior of the observatory itself. However, it is a great spot for photography, especially during sunset or when the surrounding flowers are in bloom. The area around Cheomseongdae is easily walkable, and there are cafes and shops nearby for a quick break. The observatory is lit up at night, creating a different atmosphere, so it’s worth visiting both during the day and in the evening if time allows. Entrance to the park area is free, though some nearby attractions may charge a small fee.

SeungJun Kim

Google
Was pretty underwhelming and disappointing at first upon arrival, but the more I read up about Cheomseongdae Observatory, I got to appreciate this national treasure more, and such places should only be given 5-star with respect. This thing is the oldest astronomical observatory in the whole of Asia (and possible on entire planet Earth)! Gosh. Constructed in the 7th century dàmn it! This is insane. Wikipedia: Cheomseongdae (Korean: 첨성대; Hanja: 瞻星臺; lit. star-gazing tower) is an astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, South Korea. Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and possibly even the world. It was constructed in the 7th century in the kingdom of Silla, whose capital was Seorabeol, or present-day Gyeongju (경주). Cheomseongdae was designated as the country's 31st national treasure on December 20, 1962. It forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other Gyeongju Historic Areas. Modeled on Baekje's Jeomseongdae, which now exists only in historical records, the Cheomseongdae influenced the construction of the Japanese Senseidai (占星台) observatory in 675, and Duke Zhou's observatory in China in 723.