Gimhae Astronomical Observatory
김해천문대
Nature · 254, Gaya thema-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Nearby stations and stops
- Yeonji Park (부산김해경전철) · straight-line 1.8km
Straight-line distance; the actual walk is longer · Data as of 2022-04-27
Source: Korea National Railway urban rail station information
- Admission
- Not provided
- Hours
- 14:00-22:00 (Last admission is 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed
- Mondays (or the following day, if Monday is a holiday), New Year's Day
- Parking
- Parking available
- Available
- Pets
- Not provided
- Accessibility
- Not provided
- Data status
- Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI · Source updated: 2022-12-29 · Collected: Not provided
Gimhae Astronomical Observatory opened on February 1, 2002 as part of the Millennium Commemorative Project that started in December 1998. It was built to satisfy the general public’s curiosity about the universe and celestial bodies, inspire young people, and give everyone a unique, memorable experience. The observatory is shaped like an egg, in memory of the legend of King Kim Suro, the founder of the Garak Kingdom, according to which the king was born from an egg. It is said that the queen of King Suro, Heo Hwang-ok, was a princess from the Indian country of Ayuta. Since sophisticated navigation equipment had yet to be invented, it can be assumed that she found her way to the Garak Kingdom by following the stars. It is also said that a prince of the Garak Kingdom built an observatory on the highest point of a mud fortress in Jinrye in order to make astronomical observations. The place is still referred to as Bibidan, which means a place to watch the stars. These historical facts indicate the stars were very important to the Gaya, an ancient kingdom established mainly in the Gimhae area. The peak of Bunseongsan Mountain, where the observatory is located, offers sweeping views of the entire area of Gimhae. The night sky of Gimhae offers a breathtaking sight.
In the area
Astronomical Observatories / Planetarium 1 of 8 attractions in Gimhae-si
Similar places in other regions
- Yecheon Astro-Space Center · Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Cheomseongdae Observatory · Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Starpark (Chilgapsan Astrnomical Observatory) · Chungcheongnam-do
- Homigot Sunrise Square · Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Aramaru Observatory (아라마루 전망대(아라폭포)) · Incheon
Source: Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI