Koguryo is the first feudal state which existed in the Korean history between 277 B.C. and A.D. 668.
Astronomy developed considerably in Koguryo at that time.
Doctor Kim In Chol, Section Chief of the Archaeological Institute under the Academy of Social Sciences, has this to say.
"The high development of astronomy in Koguryo is unthinkable apart from the Chomsongdae Observatory, the base for observing the sun, moon and stars, and the centralistic and systematic observation of the state. Koguryo built the Chomsongdae Observatory for astronomical observations and the officials in charge of the astronomical observations made observations day and night in all seasons.
Such historical fact is proved well through the site of the Chomsongdae Observatory unearthed around the Anhak Palace, the royal palace at the time of the Koguryo Dynasty."
The site of the Chomsongdae Observatory of Koguryo is in today's Taesong District of Pyongyang City.
It covers a wide area of about 380 square metres. Most of the superstructure was destroyed not to recognize its shape, but the substructures are preserved comparatively as they were.
The site of the Chomsongdae Observatory of Koguryo largely consists of the tetragonal main facility and the heptagonal auxiliary facility around it.
The foundation is about 1.3 metres deep, which is the deepest of the medieval structures unearthed so far. It is solid enough to support about 1,000 tons of weight from an architectural point of view.
Imagining the superstructure on the basis of the archaeological materials on the site, it is possible to guess that a stone structure for astronomical observations existed there.
The fact that there is the Pyongyang Observatory on the ridge opposite the site shows that the place is very favourable for astronomical observations.
The site of the Chomsongdae Observatory of Koguryo built in the first half of the 5th century is of great significance in showing the high development of astronomy in Koguryo.
More From Voice of Korea (EN)
Cancer is recognized as an incurable disease worldwide. Section Chief Ri Hak Su at the Oncology Institute under the Academy of
December 28, 2025
Cancer is recognized as an incurable disease worldwide. Section Chief Ri Hak Su at the Oncology Institute under the Academy of
A ceremony of awarding the title of Model Law-observance Unit to the exemplary units in the observance of socialist law took place
December 28, 2025
A ceremony of awarding the title of Model Law-observance Unit to the exemplary units in the observance of socialist law took place
A men's ice hokey match between the Taesongsan Sports Team and the Pyongyang Railway Bureau Sports Team took place at the Ice Rink
December 28, 2025
A men's ice hokey match between the Taesongsan Sports Team and the Pyongyang Railway Bureau Sports Team took place at the Ice Rink
New houses were built at the Wonjon Stockbreeding Farm of the Rural Economy Committee of South Hamgyong Province and the Sangok
December 28, 2025
New houses were built at the Wonjon Stockbreeding Farm of the Rural Economy Committee of South Hamgyong Province and the Sangok
Successes are made at the Sohae Oceanic Research Institute under the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration. The institute
December 28, 2025
Successes are made at the Sohae Oceanic Research Institute under the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration. The institute
There is the Okryu Children's Hospital in Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Those visitors to
December 28, 2025
There is the Okryu Children's Hospital in Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Those visitors to
The Sangwon Cement Complex, a leading building materials producer of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has won a victory
December 28, 2025
The Sangwon Cement Complex, a leading building materials producer of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has won a victory
The weightlifters of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea returned home after participating in the Qatar International
December 28, 2025
The weightlifters of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea returned home after participating in the Qatar International
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the
December 28, 2025
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the
A national flag-raising and oath-making ceremony took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on December 27 to commemorate the
December 28, 2025
A national flag-raising and oath-making ceremony took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on December 27 to commemorate the
The Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a popular code which fully represents the will and demand of the
December 27, 2025
The Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a popular code which fully represents the will and demand of the
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message
December 27, 2025
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the
December 27, 2025
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the
An inaugural ceremony of regional-industry factories and leisure complex in Kaephung District for the "Regional Development 20×10
December 27, 2025
An inaugural ceremony of regional-industry factories and leisure complex in Kaephung District for the "Regional Development 20×10
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un received a floral basket from Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the CentralCommittee of
December 27, 2025
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un received a floral basket from Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the CentralCommittee of
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un received a congratulatory letter from foreign diplomatic corps in the Democratic People's
December 27, 2025
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un received a congratulatory letter from foreign diplomatic corps in the Democratic People's
One day in May 2015, the participants in the Second National Conference of Exemplary Young People of Virtue held in the capital
December 27, 2025
One day in May 2015, the participants in the Second National Conference of Exemplary Young People of Virtue held in the capital
An inaugural ceremony of regional-industry factories in Yomju County was held with splendour on the 26th. Present at the ceremony
December 27, 2025
An inaugural ceremony of regional-industry factories in Yomju County was held with splendour on the 26th. Present at the ceremony
A lecture was given at the Central Youth Hall on the 26th to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution
December 27, 2025
A lecture was given at the Central Youth Hall on the 26th to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution
New modern houses representing the rural civilization of Korean style were built in South Hwanghae Province. Those houses built at
December 27, 2025
New modern houses representing the rural civilization of Korean style were built in South Hwanghae Province. Those houses built at
More Articles
