Cheomseongdae Observatory

첨성대

Built in the reign of Queen Seondeok in the 7th century, this is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia. Its bottle-shaped stone tower rises among flower fields and is the emblem of Gyeongju.

Cheomseongdae stands on open grassland north of Wolseong. Built during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla (632–647), it is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia. It stands about 9.1 meters tall and is built from 362 granite blocks, said to correspond to the number of days in a lunar year, laid in 27 courses to match Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of Silla. The lower part curves like a bottle, the middle has a square opening (said to be where observers climbed in by ladder to observe from the top), and the crown is a well-shaped stone frame. The structure reflects Silla’s knowledge of astronomy and the calendar. It is designated National Treasure No. 31 and is the symbol of Gyeongju, appearing on souvenirs and signage across the city.

The observatory can only be viewed from outside, and visitors may not enter. It takes just a few minutes to see, but the open grassland around it and the flower fields that change with the seasons make this Gyeongju’s most popular spot for strolling and photography. From April to May, rapeseed flowers and tulips bloom; from July to August, sunflowers and zinnias; from September to October, Korean muhly grass and cosmos surround the stone tower. Visitors in hanbok pose in the flower fields, and in the evening the tower is lit with warm light, merging with Donggung and Wolji and Woljeonggyo Bridge into one scene.

Within walking distance are Gyerim, the legendary birthplace of the Kim clan, the founding lineage of Silla, shaded by ancient trees; Wolseong, the half-moon-shaped Silla palace ruin, with cosmos in autumn; Seokbingo, a stone ice storehouse from the Joseon period; Gyochon Hanok Village, home of the Choe Bu-ja House and traditional rice wine brewing, where you can stay in a hanok and eat hanjeongsik; Woljeonggyo Bridge, a reconstructed Silla wooden bridge with a beautiful night view; and the Nodong-ri and Noseo-ri tumulus groups.

Admission is free, and the site is open all day. Getting there: take the city bus to the “Cheomseongdae” stop. It is a 5-minute walk from Daereungwon and about 10 minutes on foot from Donggung and Wolji. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the observatory, or 1 hour including a stroll through the flower fields.

Note: Do not climb over the railings or touch the stone tower. In the flower fields, stay on the marked paths. Spring and autumn weekends are very crowded. Sunrise and evening are the most comfortable times. Bicycle rental and hanbok rental are available nearby.

Cheomseongdae Observatory

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby