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The Korean Astronomical Society (한국천문학회)
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EDUCATION AND SELECTION OF ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC OFFICIALS IN THE 19th CENTURY

19세기 역서(曆書)편찬 천문관원의 교육과 선발

  • Received : 2015.02.13
  • Accepted : 2015.05.29
  • Published : 2015.12.31
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Abstract

During the Joseon dynasty, the Gwansanggam (觀象監, The Royal Astronomical Observatory) was the royal administration in charge of Astronomy (天文), Geography (地理), Calendars (曆), Astronomical and meteorological observation (測候), and Timekeeping (刻漏). Of those affairs, the Astronomical Almanac compilation was most important. In this paper, we study the education and selection of astronomical officials in the 19th century during the Joseon dynasty, focusing on Astronomical Almanac officials. According to this study, their main area was calendar calculation, and they were involved in Astronomical Almanac compilation for nearly 40 years, until they resigned. In addition, they served as Samryeok-susulgwan (三曆修述官, Official for calendar calculation by the $Sh{\acute{i}}xi{\grave{a}}n$ calendar), and Ilgwa-gamingwan (日課監印官, Official printing supervisor). To undertake these core duties, an official had to pass several examinations and courses. The Gwansanggam (after Gwansangso) carried out the educational function for the officials. In particular, reserved officials of the astronomy division had to be educated starting with a trainee course.

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References

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