Ganpyeongilgu·hongaeilgu

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.841

Category

Craft

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1985

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울 종로구 효자로 12, 국립고궁박물관 (세종로,국립고궁박물관)

Coordinates

37.576571, 126.974851

This is a unique style of sundial, in which two dials are engraved on one stone. The inscription says that it was made in 1785 with the standard of the latitude of Seoul 37° 39' 15" and the distance between the equator and the ecliptic 23° 29'. One of the two, Ganpyeog Sundial, has a length of 129.0 cm, a width of 52.2 cm, and a height of 12.3c m, and looks to have the reflecting shape of the hemispherical sundial, the other type of sundial, on a horizontal plane. Its diameter is 43 cm. The inscription says that its center is defined as the Zenith and the radial point of a time zone as the North Pole. It is designed to tell the movement of the sun and the time of day by observing the changes of shadow on the surface of the dial. The other dial is Hongae Sundial, which has a 46 cm diameter. Both dials have curved vertical and horizontal lines, the former indicating time and the latter the season. The length of the needle in the center is half of its diameter, and one can tell the time of day by observing the movement of the needle's shadow. In addition, one can also find the 24 divisions of the year by observing the different length of the shadows on the seasonal lines because the altitude of the sun at noon differs from season to season. The lines on these two sundials are all accurate and sophisticated. Those delicate lines engraved on the surface are highly praised for their fine workmanship. With its dignified shape and unique structure, this sundial is regarded as a precious cultural asset. It was once kept in Myeongjeongjeon in Changgyeonggung Palace, but it has now been moved to the Memorial Hall of King Sejong the Great.

Location