• Bulletin of the Korean Space Science Society
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• 2011.04a
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• pp.19.2-19.2
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• 2011

In 1861 Nam Byeong-Gil published a book called as "Seonggyeong" which contains a star catalogue (NBGC) with the positions, magnitudes, and star maps for 1449 stars. The NBGC lists only the traditional Chinese stars selected from "the sequel to the Qing Dynasty Star Catalogue and Star Map." To identify each star from the NBGC with modern counterpart, we correct the positions of the Hipparcos stars brighter than 6.5 mag for proper motion, then precess the coordinates to the epoch of the NBGC. For each star in the NBGC, we find the nearest counterpart in the Hipparcos Catalogue (HC). If a much brighter star is at a slightly larger angular distance, we select that star as the secure counterpart. As a result, 95.5% of the stars in the NBGC were identified. We find a very good overall agreement of our results with a previous analysis by Ahn et al. (1996, Journal of the Korean History of Science Society, vol. I). For securely identified stars, we analyse its accuracy on the basis of comparison with data from the HC. The correlation of the errors between right ascensions and declinations is significantly deviated from spherical distribution. The magnitudes recorded in the NBGC correlate well with modern values. The accuracy of position decreases slowly with magnitude. Right ascensions and declinations have error distributions with ${\sigma}$ = 2.0' for the former while the latter with ${\sigma}$ = 1.6', but with much more errors >5' than expected for a Gaussian distribution.

• Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.201-212
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• 2023

The inscription of Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (天象列次分野之圖) has the sun's locations at the equinoxes, which must have been copied from the astronomical treatises in Chinese historical annals, Songshu (宋書) and Jinshu (晉書). According to the treatises, an astronomer Wang Fan (王蕃, 228-266 CE) referred those values from a calendrical system called Qianxiangli (乾象曆, 223 CE), from which it is confirmed that it adopted the sun's location at the winter solstice of the $(21{\frac{1}{4}})^{th}$ du of the 8th lunar lodge Dou (斗) as the reference direction for equatorial lodge angles. This indicates that the sun's locations at equinoxes and solstices in the calendrical system are the same as those in Jingchuli (景初曆, 237 CE). Hence, we propose that the sun's location at the autumnal equinox in Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido should be corrected from 'wu du shao ruo' (五度少弱), meaning the $(5{\frac{1}{6}})^{th}$ du, to 'wu du ruo' (五度弱), meaning the $(4{\frac{11}{12}})^{th}$ du, of the first lunar lodge Jiao (角), as seen in Jingchuli. We reconstruct the polar coordinate system used in circular star charts, assuming that the mean motion rule was applied and its reference direction was the sun's location at the winter solstice. Considering the precession, we determined the observational epoch of the sun's location at the winter solstice to be t_o = -18.3 ± 43.0 adopting the observational error of the so-called archaic determinatives (古度). It is noteworthy that the sun's locations at equinoxes inscribed in Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido originated from Houhan Sifenli (後漢 四分曆) of the Latter Han dynasty (85 CE), while the coordinate origin in the star chart is related to Taichuli (太初曆) of the Former Han dynasty (104 BCE).

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.23-40
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• 2002

The spatial distribution of meteoroids or cometary debris along the orbit of the Earth is investigated by analyzing the meteoric records in the Chronicle of the Koryo dynasty (918-1392) which is called Koryosa. Sporadic meteors in this period show the seasonal variation in number, which is similar to the current meteors. We also found that there are a few spikes showing large accumulation of records around the same dates. We regard these spikes as meteor showers in the Koryo period. We compared the dates of meteor showers with those compiled from the historical records around the world including Korea, Japan, China, Arab, and European countries. We discovered three prominent showers and four weak showers. The prominent ones are the Leonids, the Perseids, and the Aquarids and the Orionids pair. The last pair is the remnants of Halley's comet. The astronomical records written in the history book of the Koryo dynasty are turned out to be accurate and written in a steady manner. We can also see that those records can be useful to contribute the development of modern astronomy and astrophysics.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.24-37
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• 2023

This study analyzes the materials and external characteristics of the Angbu-ilgu, a kind of scaphe sundial, which was newly designated as a Korean Treasure in 2022. The Angbu-ilgu Treasure is owned by three institutions - the National Palace Museum Of Korea, Gyeongju National Museum, and Sungshin Women's University Museum - and is similar as a twin in its material, size, outward appearance, as well as production techniques that include casting, silver inlays, and metal joints. The Three-Treasure Angbu-ilgu is made of brass in the ratio of 90.6: 6.0: 1.8 with Cu: Zn: Pb. This composition clearly differs from Treasure No. 845, an Angbuilgu which has a composition ratio of 82.2: 3.7: 11.8 with Cu: Zn: Pb. In this new Angbu-ilgu Treasure, the hemisphere's stand has four vertical pillars sculpted in a dragon pattern and bilateral wings carved in a cloud pattern on the pillars, which are joined to the hemisphere's horizontal ring with rivets and silver solders, respectively. The dragon-in-clouds pillar (雲龍柱) shows the most outstanding formative beauty of the various Angbu-ilgu pillars produced in the late Joseon Dynasty. It can be seen that the altitude of the north pole engraved on the Angbu-ilgu was made after 1713. Production is, however, actually estimated to have occurred close to the 19th century, the era of the Jinju Kang family, who were professional Angbuilgu makers. Hopefully, this study will lead to a historical science and technology review with modern scientific instruments analyzing the materials and external characteristics of the three Angbu-ilgus designated as a Korean Treasure in 2022.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.3
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• pp.444-500
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• 1989

I have felt seriously a desire to study and analyse the medicine of the period of the Three Kingdoms when I thought and studied the ancient medical history. Therefore in Chapter II I inquired into the background of Politico-social and the currency of thought. In the Chapter III inquired into the system of Medical politics in the period of the Three Kingdoms. In the Chapter IV inquired into the general view of the period of the Three Kingdoms. In the Chapter V inquired into the writings of Medicine and Doctors. From this study, I reached at following-conclusions. 1. The Three Kingdoms are politically opposed to each other, but socialo culturaly cooperated, connected each other to import the technique and thought which developed in China, so generally their system and life pattern are alike. 2. On the system of medical politcics Goguryeo(高句麗) had the system of court phisician, Baek jeo(百濟) had medical doctor and collector in the Ministry of Drug which took charge of teaching and medical treatment and specially had spellchanting doctor who treat epidermic and psychological diease untreated with herb and acupuncture, Shilla(新羅) had the system of Yak chun which was charge of teaching and treatment, and had the Chimbang(針房) which assist doctor in the system of Yagchun(藥典制度). 3. The medical interchange with China made the Three Kingdoms to import the medical books. So the theory of medicine was systematized and the art of treatment developed. In the aspect of Herb the Three Kingdoms and China actively exchange their own district product. 4. The medicine of Three Kingdoms accommodated Yin Yang Ohang theory(陰陽五行說), the theory of body compose with four element(四大 : 地水火風) and the theory of life cultivation and breathing(導引養生說) with Therefore in many aspect of oriental medicine basic theory and treatment would improved. 5. The epidermic diease occurred in period of Three Kingdoms, is represented Yeok(疫), that is after all Ohn Diease(溫病), and epidermic diease, is relfected by earthquake, heavy rain, terrible droughty and eclipse of sun. The treatment of this diease did not developed in that time, we presume that there are many persons killed. 6. As the record of five starr(五星), comet(彗星) and eclipse of sun was showed, the astronomy of oriental medicine in the Three Kingdoms was high level and it became the mothers womb of Korean astronomy. 7. The medicine of the Three Kingdoms, concreted with Chinese medicine and their own ancient one, was reflect on Japanese medicine to improve the medical theory and treatment. 8. The Three Kingdoms peculiarly published Korea Nosabang(高麗老師方) Baekjyeo Shinjipbang(百濟新集方), so this independent medicine reflected on the development of natural hurb(鄕約) of the period of Korea(高麗).

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.96.1-96.1
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• 2012

Science we have perceived as genuine science is based on western scientific enterprise, that is, western modern science(WMS). The K-12 science curriculum in Korea absolutely contains WMS content. Elkana(1981) criticized the indifference of comparative science in the field of science, whereas there have been a lot of comparative studies of art, religion, ethics, and politics. Science is the product not only based on 'western' culture but all cultural around the world including Korea. People have consistently observed and tested for such a long period of time all over the world. Traditional science of Korea can be related to multiculturalism, which has become important in many fields. Korea has a lot of great scientific enterprises, such as astronomical instruments of Chosun Dynasty and ancient data of natural phenomenon in Samguk-saki or Samguk-Yusa. It is expected that students will consider them as more 'objective' and 'realistic' things rather than 'artistic' and 'distinguished' things. Astronomy was also very important in the East because they believed sky as king, which results in the development of a lot of astronomical data and instruments in Korean history. In this study, we developed three units of science programs using astronomical enterprises in Korea: 1) Activities with our sundial, Angbuilgu:, 2) data interpretation of natural phenomenon in ancient Korea, 3) experience in Gyeongbokgung Palace. From these programs, we expect that students will develop a profound understanding and take pride in our science.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.151-168
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• 2007

We have analyzed the comet records in the Korean history books: Samguksagi, Goryeosa, and Joseonwangjosillok. For a comparison, the Chinese and Japanese comet records collected by Kronk (1999) have also been analyzed. Power spectrum of the time series of the comet records is used to find periodic comets. Statistically significant periodicities in the power spectrum are detected at the periods of 38-40 years, about 76 years, and 300-400 years for all Korean, Chinese, and Japanese comet records. We have also calculated the past orbits of some comets that have been recently observed, to check whether or not they were recorded in the history books. We use a multistep method to numerically integrate the comet's orbital motion backward in time to 51 B.C. The gravitational force due to the Sun and the nine planets, non-gravitational force, and the relativistic effects have been considered. Comparison of comet's perihelion passage time and the position on the sky with the historical records shows that the comet Halley were recorded at every passage in both Goryeo and Joseon periods. The orbital motion of the comet Pons-Brooks has also been compared with the Korean records. For the comet Tempel-Tuttle, Swift-Tuttle, and Ikeya-Zhang, we have compared our calculation of the orbital motions with those of the previous studies.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2015

The National Foundation Day of Korea (개천절, 開天節) is currently celebrated on October 3 in Gregorian calendar. We review the history of dating the National Foundation Day of Korea and make a suggestion that it be celebrated on October 3 in the lunar calendar. We present numerous historical records on heaven-worship rites supporting the date October 3 in the lunar calendar. It is pointed out that October 3 in the solar calendar has been adopted in 1949 by the National Assembly with the thought that the lunar calendar is inferior and behind the times. The thought originates from misunderstanding on the value of the lunar calendar and from the ignorance of importance of history and tradition. Since there are now many national holidays that follow the lunar calendar, the logic of the National Assembly in 1949 also makes no sense. We emphasize that the lunar calendar should be followed for the National Foundation Day of Korea for its historical and symbolic characteristics restoration. We also investigate the year of the foundation of the first country of Korea, Dangun Joseon. It is found that even though the majority of the literature before late 15th century recorded the beginning year of Dangun Joseon dynasty to be equal to that of Liao Dynasty (堯), it was accidentally changed to the 25th year of Liao Dynasty in 1484 through a misinterpretation of the previous records. We claim that the beginning year of Dangun Joseon should be set to that of Liao Dynasty as recorded in the original literature in the earlier days. According to the two main opinions accepted by Korea, the beginning year of Liao Dynasty was 2357 B.C. or 2333 B.C., which correspond to the year of Gap-Jin (the 41st year of the sexagenary cycle) or Mu-Jin (the 4th year of the sexagenary cycle), respectively.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.45.1-45.1
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• 2021

Horizon Run 5 (HR5) is a cosmological hydrodynamical simulation which captures the properties of the Universe on aGpc scale while achieving a resolution of 1kpc. This enormous dynamic range allows us to simultaneously capture the physics of the cosmic web on very large scales and account for the formation and evolution of dwarf galaxies on much smaller scales. On the back of a remarkable achievement of this, we have finished to run follow-up simulations which have 2 times larger volume than before and are expected to complementary to some limitations of previous HR simulations both for the study on the large scale features and the expansion history in a distant Universe. For these simulations, we consider the sub-grid physics of radiative heating/cooling, reionization, star formation, SN/AGN feedbacks, chemical evolution and the growth of super-massive blackholes. In order to do this project, we implemented a hybrid MPI-OpenMP version of the RAMSES code, 'RAMSES-OMP', which is specifically designed for modern many-core many thread parallel systems. These simulation successfully reproduce various observation result and provide a large amount of statistical samples of Lyman-alpha emitters and protoclusters which are important to understand the formation and expansion history of early universe. These are invaluable assets for the interpretation of current ΛCDM cosmology and current/upcoming deep surveys of the Universe, such as the world largest narrow band imaging survey, ODIN (One-hundred-square-degree Dark energy camera Imaging in Narrow band).

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.52.1-52.1
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• 2012

It is often said that there is little geometrical mind in Korean history. However, a method to project the surface of a sphere onto 2-dimensional plain was applied to the representative Korean star chart or Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (天象列次分野之圖). The method, called the equi-distant polar projection, was explained in detail in ancient Chinese history book of the Tang dynasty, which was originated from older history. Another method of the Mercator projection was introduced by the famous engineer Su Song (蘇頌) of the Song dynasty. The description has quite geometrical thoughts, especially the concept of infinity or convergence appears, However, this type of sky projection method was not widely used in east Asia. When the European Jesuits came to China to evangelize the Chinese people, they found that the Chinese people paid much attention to advanced European astronomical knowledge. Thus, they introduced the European astronomical knowledges into China, and the star chart was one of them. The projection method of the new charts were quite different from the Chinese tradition. When the Koreans brought those new star chart from China, they must have known the geometrical description of the method. The method was described in detail in a volume of Chongzhen Lishi (崇禎曆書) or Xiyang Xinfa Lishu (西洋新法曆書). The explanation consists of three part. One is the quantitative way; another is a geometrical way using axiomatic systems; and the other is the practical method to draw star chart with the geometical projection. However, when we see the Honcheon Jeondo (渾天全圖) that is thought to be duplicated by Kim Jeongho (金正浩), the new geometrical method was not so widely known to the Koreans. I will discuss the reason why the geometrical minds have not been widely adopted in the Korean civilization.