Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society (천문학논총)

The Korean Astronomical Society (한국천문학회)
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ANALYSIS OF ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC AND CALENDAR IN NORTH KOREA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

북한의 천문력 및 달력의 분석과 그 시사점

  • HAN-EARL PARK (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) ;
  • HONG-JIN YANG (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) ;
  • DONG-HYO SOHN (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) ;
  • HYUNWOO KANG (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) ;
  • HYOJUN LEE (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) ;
  • INSUNG YIM (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute)
  • Received : 2023.10.16
  • Accepted : 2024.01.12
  • Published : 2024.08.31
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Abstract

Since the division of the Korean Peninsula in 1948, South and North Korea have independently developed their astronomical almanacs: Ryeokseo at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute in South Korea and Cheonmunryeok at the Pyongyang Astronomical Observatory in North Korea. This study compares Ryeokseo and Cheonmunryeok for the year 2015, focusing on publication systems, content, terminology, and differences in data calculation methods. Additionally, it examines the calendars of South and North Korea from 2018 to 2023, analyzing similarities and differences in the representation of calendrical dates, public holidays, and other related aspects. The findings reveal that while the structure and content of the astronomical almanacs are similar in both countries, notable variances exist in the versions of ephemerides, time scales, and calculation precision. Consequently, identical data points are often recorded with slightly different values in each country's almanacs. Furthermore, approximately 28% of the terms used in North Korea's astronomical almanac are either not utilized in South Korea or have different definitions. Regarding calendar systems, those of South and North Korea are largely similar, resulting in no significant discrepancies in dates. However, there are notable differences in the observance of public holidays. While traditional holidays are common to both, most holidays are distinctively celebrated. Notably, North Korea does not observe religious holidays, and many of its holidays are associated with the regime.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 연구는 "고천문 자산의 과학적 활용과 동북아 협력 연구" 과제의 일환으로 수행하였습니다.

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