• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2017

This study examines the scale unique instruments used for astronomical observation during the Joseon dynasty. The Small Simplified Armillary Sphere (小簡儀, So-ganui) and the Sun-and-Stars Time-Determining Instrument (日星定時儀, Ilseong-jeongsi-ui) are minimized astronomical instruments, which can be characterized, respectively, as an observational instrument and a clock, and were influenced by the Simplified Armilla (簡儀, Jianyi) of the Yuan dynasty. These two instruments were equipped with several rings, and the rings of one were similar both in size and in scale to those of the other. Using the classic method of drawing the scale on the circumference of a ring, we analyze the scales of the Small Simplified Armillary Sphere and the Sun-and-Stars Time-Determining Instrument. Like the scale feature of the Simplified Armilla, we find that these two instruments selected the specific circumference which can be drawn by two kinds of scales. If Joseon's astronomical instruments is applied by the dual scale drawing on one circumference, we suggest that 3.14 was used as the ratio of the circumference of circle, not 3 like China, when the ring's size was calculated in that time. From the size of Hundred-interval disk of the extant Simplified Sundial in Korea, we make a conclusion that the three rings' diameter of the Sun-and-Stars Time-Determining Instrument described in the Sejiong Sillok (世宗實錄, Veritable Records of the King Sejong) refers to that of the middle circle of every ring, not the outer circle. As analyzing the degree of 28 lunar lodges (lunar mansions) in the equator written by Chiljeongsan-naepyeon (七政算內篇, the Inner Volume of Calculation of the Motions of the Seven Celestial Determinants), we also obtain the result that the scale of the Celestial-circumference-degree in the Small Simplified Armillary Sphere was made with a scale error about 0.1 du in root mean square (RMS).

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.187-192
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• 2013

Honsangui (celestial globe) which is a water-hammering method astronomical clock is recorded in "Juhaesuyong" which is Volume VI of supplement from "Damheonseo", written by Hong Dae-Yong (1731~1783). We made out the conceptual design of Hong Dae-Yong's Honsangui through the study on its structure and working mechanism. Honsangui consist of three rings and two layers, the structure of rings which correspond to outer layer is similar to his own Tongcheonui (armillary sphere) which is a kind of armillary sphere. Honsang sphere which correspond to inner layer depicts constellations and milky way and two beads hang on it as Sun and Moon respectively for realize the celestial motion. Tongcheonui is operated by the pendulum power but Honsangui is operated by water-hammering method mechanism. This Honsangui's working mechanism is the traditional way of Joseon and it was simplified the working mechanism of Shui y$\ddot{u}$n i hsiang t'ai which is a representative astronomical clock of China. This record of Honsangui is the only historical record about the water-hammering method working mechanism of Joseon Era and it provide the study of water-hammering method mechanism with a vital clue.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.115-127
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• 2011

Since the thirteenth century, large scale facilities and various instruments for astronomical observation were built and installed in East Asia. During the Yuan Dynasty, S. ti.ntai (Beijing astronomical observatory in the Yuan Dynasty, 司天臺) was built in Beijing in 1279. Various astronomical instruments, including Ganui (Jianyi, simplified armillary sphere, 簡儀), Yang-yi (upward hemisphere, 仰儀) and Gyupyo (gnomon, 圭表) were installed in this observatory. These astronomical instruments were modified and improved by researchers of the Joseon Dynasty. Ganuidae (Joseon astronomical observatory, 簡儀臺) was built in Gyeongbokgung (or Gyeongbok palace, 景福宮), Seoul. Its scale was 31 Cheok (Korean feet in the Joseon Dynasty, 尺) in height, 47 Cheok in length and 32 Cheok in width. Lee, Cheon (李蕆, 1376~1451), a responsible leader of Ganuidae project, set up various astronomical instruments with his colleagues. Ganui and Jeongbangan (direction-determining board, 正方案) were installed at the top of this observatory. Gyupyo was installed at the west side of this observatory and Honui (armillary sphere, 渾儀) and Honsang (celestial globe, 渾象) were installed in a small pavilion which was located next to Gyupyo. A decade after installation, this observatory was moved to the north-west side of the palace but almost destroyed during Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 except Ganuidae. We have analyzed documents about Ganuidae and investigated Chinese remains of astronomical observatories and artifacts of astronomical instruments. In this paper, we suggest the appearance, structure, arrangement and scale of Ganuidae, which are expected to be used for the restoration of Ganuidae at some day in the near future.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.9-19
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• 2018

We investigate the life of Lee Cheon (1376-1451) who was closely connected with astronomy during the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon dynasty. Lee Cheon is widely regarded as one of the outstanding scientists of King Sejong's period. However, his contributions to the development of the astronomy during the period have not been enlightened. Based on the historical records on the life and achievements of Lee Cheon, mainly referring to the Joseonwangjosillok (Annals of the Joseon Dynasty), we address three important points. First, Lee Cheon was a distinguished administrator who filled various government posts. Second, he was a supervising engineer in public works and metal smelting during his position in military. Third, he was a scientific technician and manufactured precision equipment such as the metal movable type sets. By virtue of these aspects, Lee Cheon was taken into confidence by King Sejong on the Ganui-dae project (i.e., manufacture various astronomical instruments and construct their platform in order to make a calendar suitable for Joseon). During the period of this project, Lee Cheon not only supervised the construction of the Ganui (simplified armillary sphere) and Ganui-dae (platform for astronomical instruments) but also participated in the production of the astronomical instruments such as Gyupyo (Gnomon) and Honcheonui (Armillary Sphere). In conclusion, we regard Lee Cheon as one of the astronomers who led a great advance in astronomy during King Sejong's era.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.43-57
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• 2020

Hong, Dae-Yong manufactured the Tongcheon-ui (Pan-celestial Armillary Sphere) with cooperating clock researcher Na, Kyeong-Jeok, and its craftsman An, Cheo-In, in Naju of Jeolla Province in 1760 ~ 1762. Tongcheon-ui is a kind of astronomical clock with an armillary sphere which is rotated by the force generated by a lantern clock's weight. In our study, we examine the lantern clock model of Tongcheon-ui through its description of the articles written by Hong himself. As his description, however, did not explain the detail of the mechanical process of the lantern clock, we investigate the remains of lantern clocks in the possession of Korea University Museum and Seoul National University Museum. Comparing with the clocks of these museums, we designed the lantern clock model of Tongcheon-ui which measures 115 mm (L) × 115 mm (W) × 307 mm (H). This model has used the structure of the striking train imitated from the Korea University Museum artifact and is also regulated by a foliot escapement which is connected to a going train for timekeeping. The orientation of the rotation of the going train and the striking train of our model makes a difference with the remains of both university museums. That is, on the rotation axis of the first gear set of Tongcheon-ui's lantern clock, the going and the striking trains take on a counterclockwise and clockwise direction, respectively. The weight of 6.4 kg makes a force driving these two trains to stick to the pulley on the twine pulling across two spike gears corresponding to the going train and the striking train. This weight below the pulley may travel down about 560 mm per day. We conclude that the mechanical system of Tongcheon-ui's lantern clock is slightly different from the Japanese style.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.5
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• pp.281-306
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• 1996

A study on the effect of the Sun-Moon-Stars(日月星辰) in Huang Ti Nei Ching("黃帝內經") on the formation of the Yunqi theory(運氣理論) have revealed following conclusions. 1. There was a record of Stars(星辰) written by Gabgol-Character(甲骨文字) in the Yin(殷) Dynasty. But the very first documentary records of Stars(星辰) is Shu Jing("書經"). Ancient astronomy had the tendency of astrology of combined with theory of the Five Elements(五行) and finally effects the theory of formation of Huang Ti Nei Ching("黃帝內經"). 2. Shu Jing("書經") said that Junrak(錢樂) made an Armillary sphere(運天儀) in the Sung(宋) Dynasty. And in the Jin(秦) and the Han(漢) Dynasty, they already observed the stars. The Sunkiokhyung(璿機玉衡) which is machinery of star-observing, became to be called an Armillary sphere (運天儀) by the pass of times. 3. As of the theory of the Cosmos-structure(宇宙-構造論) in Ohanunhangdaeron("五運行大論"), Guiyugu(鬼兒區) announced the Hypothesis of Covering Heaven(蓋天說) but Kibak(岐伯) supported the Hypothesis of chaosheven's(蓋天說) and in the theory of atmosphere(大氣論) in Ohanunhangdaeron("五運行大論") said that the earth was in Great Empty(太虛) and it was floating in the universe by the Great Chi(大氣). 4. The knowledge about the Five stars(五星) in Huang Ti Nei Ching("黃帝內經") is presented in the section of Gemgwejineonron("金?眞言論"), Gigoupyondaeron("氣交變大論"), Youkwonjeonggidaeron("六元正紀大論").ln the method of identifying the Five stars(五星) presented the criteria of the brightness, the altitude, the colours and the orbit etc. 5. The jupiter which has twelve year's revolution cycle was the basis of determination on the Twelve constellation(12辰), the Twelve field of heaven(12次), the Twelve Houses in the ecliptic(黃道 12宮), the Twelve Earth's Branches(12支) and the Twelve fields of Earth(12分野) and also it became the origin of the duodecimals(12進法). 6. The saturn having about twenty-eight year's revolution cycle became the criterion in identifying the Twenty Eight Constellations(28宿) which was used as the coordinates of the Celestial sphere (天球). 7. By the Percussional movement(歲差運動), the position of polaris and the Vernal-Antumal equinox(春秋分点) were shifted. Therefore the ancient the Heaven Gate-Earth Door(天門-地戶) changed from the position of Sil-Byuk(室壁), Yik-Jin(翼軫). And the precisional movements brought about the concept of the WunHoyYunSe(元會運世) that is a method of dividing a period. Also the precisional movement gave three dimension(三次元) foundation interpreted the Sixty JiaZi (六十甲子) which is revolving through sixty years uniformally. 8. The Hypothesis of the Nine Houses and Eight Winds(九宮八風論) which is one field of the astrology of ancient polaris-nine Houses divination plate(太一九宮占盤) brought about the concept of deficiency and excess and the concept of the Wind Vice(風邪). In the Calendar System(曆法) presented in Huang Ti Nei Ching("黃帝內經") the tropical year of the Sun-Moon-Stars(日月星辰) and the revolution and the rotation of the earth give explanations the changes of Yin-Yang(陰陽) by the use of the ten Celestial branches(十干) and the twelve Earth branches(十二支).

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.231-242
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• 2002

So-ganui, namely small simplified armillary sphere, was invented as an astronomical instrument by Lee Cheon, Jeong Cho, Jung In-Ji under 16 years’ rule of King Sejong. We collect records and observed data on So-ganui. It is designed to measure position of celestial sphere and to determine time. It also can be transformed equatorial to horizontal, and horizontal to equatorial coordinate. It can measure the right ascension, declination, altitude and azimuth. It is composed of Sayu-hwan (Four displacements), Jeokdo-hwan (Equato.ial dial), Baekgak-hwan (Ring with one hundred-interval quarters), Gyuhyeong (Sighting aliadade), Yongju (Dragon-pillar) and Bu (Stand). So-ganui was used conveniently portable surveying as well as astronomical instrument and possible to determine time during day and night.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.86.2-86.2
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• 2015

17세기 최유지가 제작한 혼천의는 수격식 동력으로 움직이는 자동 천문시계이다. 이 혼천의는 수격식 동력장치와 시간을 알려주는 시보장치, 태양과 달의 운행을 나타내는 천체운행장치로 구성되어 있다. 이 연구는 최유지 혼천의의 천체운행장치의 작동 메카니즘에 대한 것이다. 최유지 혼천의의 천체운행장치는 태양의 연주운동과 일주운동을 재현하는 태양운행장치와 달의 공전운동과 위상변화를 재현하는 달운행장치로 구성되어 있다. 이 장치들은 조선 초기의 수격식 천문시계에 설치되었던 천체운행장치보다는 발전된 양상을 보인다. 조선 초기에 실로 매어서 운행하던 태양운행장치는 차전(叉箭)과 경각(梗角), 소축(小軸)이라는 장치들이 혼천의에 추가로 설치되어 실과 함께 태양장치를 운행하였다. 또한 조선 초기에는 설치되지 않았던 달운행장치가 새롭게 설치되어 방각(方角), 차전(叉箭), 백각환에 13도 간격으로 박힌 대나무못과 실을 활용하여 달장치를 운행하게 하였다. 우리는 최유지 혼천의의 천체 운행장치 작동 메카니즘에 대하여 분석하고 개념모델을 제시했다.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 1996.11a
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• pp.707-710
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• 1996

During King Sejong's reign in early Chosen Dynasty, the Korean science had been in full bloom. Among the many splendid achievements of the period, though most of them are not extant, astronomical instruments and clocks made for equipping the Royal Observatory are taken as typical works that reflect the characteristics of the King's scientific projects and discussed in the view point that what and how much a well-planned drive and a future-oriented leader can accomplish.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.299-305
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• 2013

Ganui-Dae, built in the reign of King Sejong, Joseon Dynasty, is a comprehensive observatory. It has various instruments for observation and time signal such as Ganui, Gyupyo(Gnomon), water-hammering type Honui and Honsang, and so on. Studying on Ganui-Dae has been focused on its location, history, criterion, etc, so far. However, studying on its external form and construction method has been conducted insufficiently. This study suggests the model for restoration of Ganui-Dae. The model is based on the analysis about external form of Ganui-Dae in various antique maps, and its construction method in those days.