• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.98-115
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• 2008

Gwansanggam(觀象監) was a royal office in the Joseon(朝鮮) dynasty, which was in charge of astronomy(天文), geographical feature(地理), calendar-making(曆數), fortune telling(占算), meteorological observation(測候), and so forth. The royal office consisted of three divisions according to the studies (學): Astronomy(天文學), Geography(地理學), and Astrology(命課學). Among them, the Astronomy division carried out the works corresponding partly with academic fields of Earth Science nowaday. In this paper, we investigate the organization and the examination system of Gwansanggam focusing on the Astronomy division. Because Gwansanggam was one of royal offices, the organization, functions, and the rules of the government service examination(科擧試驗) were stipulated in codes published during the period of the Joseon dynasty. From various codes, official books, and records of Sillok(實錄), we firstly find that the scale of Gwansanggam in the number of officials was larger than the known one because the number of petty officials (胥吏), slaves, and artisans (匠人) were neglected in previous studies. Next, we conduct research on the textbooks used in the government service examination of Gwansanggam, particularly of the Astronomy division. Despite of the shortness in contents, we estimate that this is the first systematic attempt to the study on the examination textbooks of Gwansanggam. Finally, we also make some introductions on the regulations applied to the government service examinations of the offices belonging to manual rites (禮典) including Gwansanggam.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.789-800
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• 2015

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.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.801-810
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• 2015

The royal astronomical observatory compiled the Astronomical Almanac during the Joseon dynasty, though there were some changes of its organization. However, the observatory underwent sudden changes in the late period mainly due to the influence of historical events such as the Gabo (甲午) and The Eulmi (乙未) Reforms in 1894 and 1895, respectively, and the Japanese invasion in 1910. In this paper, we study the changes of the compilation institution of the Korean Astronomical Almanac and of its organization for the period of 1894 to 1912. During this period, the name of the observatory had been changed several times, from Gwansanggam (觀象監) to Gwansangguk (觀象局) in 1894 and to Gwansangso (觀象所) in 1895. In addition, the affair of the Astronomical Almanac compilation was transferred to the Editorial Bureau [編輯局] of the Ministry of Education [學部] and to the Editing Department [編輯課] of the Governor-General of Korea [朝鮮總督府]. In 1907, the Gwansangso was abolished. Moreover, the affair of timekeeping was separated and the official number of personnel was reduced to less than 5% compared to that of Gwansanggam. Consequently, the royal astronomical observatory was significantly reduced in terms of its functions and the organization through the process of those changes. Therefore, we believe that this period is important when seeking to understand the transition between the traditional Astronomical Almanac of the Joseon dynasty and its modern astronomical counterpart of the present day.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.17-23
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• 2013

Song I-Yeong (1619 ~ 1692), who was an astronomy professor of Gwansanggam (觀象監, Bureau of Astronomy), created the Honcheonsigye (渾天時計, Armillary Clock) in 1669 (10th year of King Hyeonjong Era). Honcheonsigye was a unique astronomical clock which combined an armillary sphere, the traditional astronomical instrument of the Far East, with the power mechanism of western alarm clock. The clock part of this armillary clock is composed of two major parts which are the going-train, power unit used the weight, and the time signal system in a wooden case. The time signal system is composed of four parts which are the time-annunciator, the striking train, the 12 different time-announcing medallions and the sound bell. This clock has been neglected for many years and its several components have been lost. This study is to understand the structure of time signal system and suggests the restoration process.

• Atmosphere
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.455-469
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• 2011

The Chugudae is a pedestal for the Chugugi. While many Chugudae were made during the Joseon Dynasty period, seven remained in existence until the early 20th century. Only five of them remain to this day-Gwansanggam (Royal Office of Astronomy and Meteorology), the Seonhwadang in Daegu, the Changdeok Palace, Tongyeong, and Yeongyeongdang. The Changdeok Palace Chugudae is the only existing model made not only as a meteorological instrument but also as a memorial statue. It has been a challenge to decipher 41 of the 368 characters in 'Chugugi-myeong (The title of the inscriptions on the Changdeok Palace Chugudae)' as these had been eroded. However, the interpretation of the full text of 'Chugugi-myeong' became possible thanks to the "Cheoljae Jinjeok (澈齋眞蹟)" which was discovered through this study. The key sentences of the 'Chugugi-myeong' include the reason for creation, the size and functions of the Chugugi and a eulogy to the reigns of King Sejong, Youngjo and Jeongjo. Moreover, its splendid design is worthy of further study. To conclude its true meaning and value, the Changdeok Palace Chugudae requires a more extensive investigation from the viewpoint of an art history.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.61-69
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• 2012

The Ganui (簡儀, simplified armillary sphere) is a representative of astronomical instruments in Joseon Dynasty of Korea, as well as Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty of China. In early 15th century, Joseon's scientists and engineers uniquely developed the Soganui (小簡儀, small simplified armillary sphere) and the Ilseongjeongsiui (日星定時儀, sun-and-star time determining instrument) from the structural characteristic of Ganui. These two astronomical instruments had a new design by the miniaturization and felt convinced a similar performance of Ganui in the harmony with Korean Astronomy and Astrology Cultures. Since mid-18th century after the enforcement of shixian-li (時憲曆), the Soganui and Ilseongjeongsiui handed over the Jeokdogyeongwiui (赤道經緯儀, equatorial armilla) by a change of the observational framework such as the time and angle measures. The Jeokdogyeongwiui made by Gwansanggam (觀象監, Bureau of Astronomy in Joseon Dynasty) adopted the new observational framework. We studied the structural characteristics and scientific values of these 3 astronomical instruments with theirs observation methods.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.244-257
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• 2020

State-designated rain gauge pedestals, including a rain gauge support, were installed in front of the "Imunwon" at Changdeok Palace, made from various rock types. Some of those pedestals provide exact information on their production dates. These rain gauge pedestals are highly valuable as scientific instruments; however, there has been insufficient scientific research carried out on them. Therefore, precise analysis and conservative consideration are required. As a result of petrographic character analysis, the Changdeokgung rain gauge pedestal has been classified as marble. Furthermore, comparison of the results of P-XRF analysis with GSJ reference samples (JLs-1, JDo-1) has determined it to be dolomitic marble. Applying the same analysis to other state-designated rain gauge pedestals, it was presumed that the rain gauge supports at Gyeongsand-do Provincial Office and Gwansanggam were each made from aplite, pinkish medium-to-coarse biotite granite. Results confirmed that only the Changdeokgung rain gauge pedestal was made from marble. Marble is viewed as having an identity specificity rooted in a certain historical background. According to the tendency towards stone figures being made from marble, especially dolomitic marble, it is necessary to further studies whether particular rocks were used to make royal stone figures in Joseon Dynasty.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.367-380
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• 2017

The life and astronomical activity of Lee Deok-Seong (李德星, 1720-1794) was studied using various historical sources, including the astronomical almanac, Seungjeongwon-Ilgi (Daily records of Royal Secretariat of Joseon dynasty), and the Gwansang-Gam's logbooks during Joseon dynasty (A.D. 1392-1910). We present the results of the study including the following main findings. First, from the investigation of Lee's family tree, we find that a number of his relatives were also astronomers, notably Samryeok-Gwan (三曆官, the post of calendrical calculation). Second, we find that he took part in the compilation of an annual astronomical almanac over a period of at least 16 years. His major achievements in the astronomy of the Joseon dynasty were to establish a new method of calendar-making calculation and to bring astronomical materials to the Joseon court through a visit to China. The Joseon dynasty enforced the Shixianli (時憲曆, a Chinese calendar made by Adam Shall) in 1654 without fully understanding the calendar. So an astronomer and an envoy were dispatched to China in order to master the intricacies of the calendar and to learn as much of Western science as was available in that time and place. Lee Deok-Seong worked at the Gwansang-Gam (觀象監, Royal Astronomical Bureau) during the reigns of King Yeongjo (英祖) and Jeongjo (正祖). As best as we can ascertain in relation with the calculations in the Shixian calendar, Lee visited China four times. During his trips and interactions, he learned a new method for calendar-making calculations, and introduced many Western-Chinese astronomical books to Joseon academia. Lee greatly improved the accuracy of calendrical calculations, even while simplifying the calculation process. With these achievements, he finally was promoted to the title of Sungrok-Daebu (崇祿大夫), the third highest grade of royal official. In conclusion, history demonstrates that Lee Deok-Seong was one of the most outstanding astronomers in the late-Joseon dynasty.