Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju

Marvel at the history and design of Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving observatory in the world. Thought to have been built during the reign of Queen Seondeok in the 7th century CE, the structure consists of 362 pieces of granite, arranged in a bottle-like cylindrical shape that stands at 9.4 m (30.8 ft) tall and 5.7 m (18.7 ft) wide. The remarkable structure would have been useful in terms of agricultural production, because it allows for astronomical observation of seasonal change, while astrological myths and legends were closely linked with political power and spirituality. To visit Cheomseongdae Observatory on your trip to Gyeongju, use our Gyeongju trip itinerary tool.