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Cheomseongdae Observatory - 첨성대 (瞻星臺) (built 647)
Cheomseongdae is one of the oldest surviving structures in Korea. This unique bottle-shaped building was built in 647 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Old Silla kingdom and was used as an astronomical observatory. The base is 5.7 meters wide (17 ft) and stands 9.4 meters (31 ft) tall. Twenty-seven layers of granite fashioned to resemble brick support the upper layers of stone that form the top platform.
The granite brick construction is similar to the method used at Bunhwangsa temple, which developed from contact with Tang dynasty China.
Address: 경북 경주시 인왕동 839-1.
(Designated National Treasure #31).
Bibliography:
All images copyright 1998 Timothy M. Ciccone & Abraham C. Ahn
Adams, Edward B. Korea's Kyongju: Cultural Spirit of Silla in Korea
Seoul International Tourist Publishing Company, 1983. Seoul
Korean Office of Cultural Properties
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this looks awsome
Website: www.google.comI've visited the site several times and am constantly amazed at how simple and elegant the structure seems. Its a absolute national treasure.
Cheomseongdae is one of the oldest surviving structures in Korea. This unique bottle-shaped building was built in 647 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Old Silla kingdom and was used as an astronomical observatory. The base is 5.7 meters wide (17 ft) and stands 9.4 meters (31 ft) tall. Twenty-seven layers of granite fashioned to resemble brick support the upper layers of stone that form the top platform.
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