Kaesong Chomsongdae Observatory is the relic that observed astronomical meteorology in the period of Koryo Dynasty.
The Chomsongdae Observatory situated in Songak-dong, Kaesong is in the west of Manwoltae. At present, only the basic stand is preserved.
It is 2.8 metres high and its pillar is 2.6 metres high.
Recently the materials like stone pillar were discovered near the Chomsongdae Observatory.
On this basis, the specialists estimate that 2-storey building was on the stand.
According to its location and to the records of “Koryosa” (history book of Feudal Koryo Dynasty,) Kaesong Chomsongdae Observatory was built in the early period of Koryo Dynasty.
“Koryosa” tells lots of astronomical meteorological observatory data made by Chomsongdae Observatory. From these data, we can see Chomsongdae Observatory conducted the works like the observation and forecast of the movements of celestial body, the special natural phenomena and confirmation of time, measurement of rainfall and weather forecast.
In Koryo Dynasty, astronomical observation was of big significance not only for the economic activities like agriculture but also for politics as they had superstition that the astronomical changes controlled the country’s politics. From this fact, they put astronomical observatory apparatus and the special management bureau for this near the royal palace.
According to the records, in the astronomical observation bureau were 10 time-observers, 10 astronomy-observers, 10 history-compilers and 10 meteorology-observers at that time.
“Chonmunji” in “Koryosa” had lots of observation records about solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, comet, meteors and sunspots. These records are supposed to be made by the observers of Chomsongdae Observatory.
The astronomical observatory relic in Beijing, China was built in 1271, Copenhagen Observatory in Denmark in 1637 and Paris Observatory in France in 1667.
Kaesong Chomsongdae Observatory in Korea existed quite earlier than these. So it has the longest history as the astronomical observatory in the world.
The fact that this historical relic was registered as the world cultural heritage in the era of the Workers’ Party of Korea demonstrates the validity and vitality of the Party’s policy of protecting the national heritages.
