Gwansanggam Gwancheondae, Seoul

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1740

Category

Architecture

Era

조선시대 초기

Designated year

2011

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울 종로구 원서동 206번지

Coordinates

37.577760, 126.987997

A gwancheondae was a Joseon-era observatory usually set up inside Gwansanggam (Bureau of Astronomy). It was also referred to as soganuidae or cheomseongdae. This observatory was set up in 1434 (the 16th year of King Sejong’s reign), in Seoungwan (Bureau of Astronomy). Seoungwan was an agency responsible for affairs related to astronomy, geography, meteorology and water clocks. Seoungwan was renamed later, in 1466 (the 12th year of King Sejo’s reign), Gwansanggam, and again in 1894 (the 31st year of King Gojong’s reign), Gwansangso before it earned its current name Cheukhuso, in 1907. The observatory, built in hewn stone blocks, measures 4.2m in height and 2.8m by 2.5m in footprint. It is surrounded by a stone parapet. There used to be also stone steps leading to the entrance of the observatory, although long since vanished. Along with Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju, the Goryeo Observatory of Manwoldae in Gaeseong, and Gwancheondae Obervatory of Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul, this observatory is considered one of the most important historic sites related to astronomical observation.

Location