Cheomseongdae “Star-Gazing Tower” Is The Oldest Observatory In East Asia

Cheomseongdae Observatory at night. source

The Cheomseongdae Observatory located in Gyeongju, South Korea originates from the flourishing Silla period. Constructed in 632, the Cheomseongdae (“star-gazing tower” or “star-observing terrace”) is the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia.

It is a stone cylindrical-shaped structure composed of 362 granite blocks that represent the 362 days of the lunar year.

It is a symbol of early astronomy and the Southern observatory of the European astronomers working in Chile is called – Silla.

The structure – located near to the royal tomb of King Naemul of Silla – was built during the reign of Queen Sondok, the 27^th ruler of the old Silla Kingdom in 634 AD. Queen Sondok (Seon-deok) was one of the first legitimate female rulers in East Asia’s history.

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Source: https://www.ancientpages.com/2021/03/31/cheomseongdae-star-gazing-tower-is-the-oldest-observatory-in-east-asia/