Cheomseongdae's graceful profile is more beautiful at night
Cheomseongdae, according to one source, means “star-gazing tower”. Yet experts still are arguing about the actual functions of this striking structure in Gyeongju, according to Sang Sang-yong’s article in the Korea Journal. I’d take Song’s claim that it’s one of “the hottest in the history of debates in Korea” with a thimbleful of salt but let’s have a quick look at the options.
Was it built to read the sun, the stars, the clouds or something else?
Was this granite tower, shaped like a bottle, which was built during the reign of
Queen Seondeok ( between 633 and 647 A.D.) intended and used as...
a. an astronomical observatory?
b. a meteorological observatory?
c. a symbolic monument to Shilla science?
d. a sacrificial altar to worship the god of agriculture?
e. an expression of the Shilla concept of religion?
f. all of the above?
Two models showing how people got to the top.
Frankly, I’d echo Rhett Butler’s parting words to Scarlett O’Hara but I’m more impressed with the fact that it’s remained standing for over 1,300 years and has barely shown any stress from seismic shifts. If indeed
Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory, it may be the oldest one existing in Asia. I guess its longevity and its apparent nod to the scientific, cultural and architectural achievements of the Shilla Dynasty are reasons enough for national pride.
National Treasure No. 31 - A national symbol and a source of pride
At the same time, it's also interesting how the twelve stones at the base reflect the months while the 30 layers may represent the days in the month while apparently the position, angles and directions of the tower corners are aligned to some stars, according to the Lonely Planet.
Sauna at Pension Cheomseongdae - does it really look like the tower?
The next time I visit Gyeongju though, I think I'll go to
Pension Cheomseongdae , situated near the Gyeongju Folk Handicraft Village instead. Its sauna, supposedly shaped like its namesake, is heated naturally with pine logs and is open 24 hours so one could even bed down there for the night and dream instead of Hallyu stars.
