Cheomseongdae Observatory illuminated in thousand-year starlight ahead of APEC summit

연합뉴스 / 2025-10-20 14:46:25

▲ This image provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows Cheomseongdae, the ancient Silla-era astronomical observatory in Gyeongju and a designated national treasure. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 20 (Yonhap) -- Cheomseongdae, the ancient Silla-era astronomical observatory in Gyeongju and a designated national treasure, will be illuminated in celebration of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the Cultural Heritage Administration said Monday.

In collaboration with the city of Gyeongju, the agency will project two themed light shows — “Time of Stars” and “Land of Gold” — onto the exterior of Cheomseongdae every night through Nov. 1.

Believed to have been built during the reign of Queen Seondeok (632–647), Cheomseongdae is a stone structure known for its unique cylindrical design. While it is widely thought to have served as an astronomical observatory, some scholars suggest it may have symbolized a well or represented a sacred space.

Starting with a lighting ceremony Sunday evening, visitors will be able to enjoy a “festival of light” depicting the history of Silla astronomy and its golden culture. The video projections begin with scenes of stargazing from the observatory and unfold into images of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and comets streaking across the night sky.

The display also incorporates celestial elements from “Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido,” a Joseon-era star chart depicting 1,467 stars, the 28 lunar mansions, and the guardian deities of the four cardinal directions.

During the APEC summit period, the nearby Guhwang-dong Garden Site — a key archaeological remnant of the Silla capital that reflects the garden culture of the ruling elite — will also be illuminated nightly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Nov. 1.

Cultural Heritage Administration Commissioner Heo Min visited several heritage sites in Gyeongju on Sunday, including the Choncham No. 44 Tomb excavation site, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and the Hwangnyongsa Temple site, to inspect ongoing preservation efforts.

An official from the agency said, “We hope that showcasing Korea’s cultural heritage in various forms in Gyeongju will help promote its historical value to the world.”