Outdoor Exhibits

Exhibition Guide

History Plaza Map
Outdoor Exhibit - Plaza of History

Situated at the front of the Science Museum, the Plaza of History includes the Water Science Park, where visitors can explore scientific concepts through fun, water-based activities. The plaza also displays historical artifacts that highlight the nation’s remarkable scientific and technological achievements, making it a perfect place to learn and unwind.

Featured Exhibit

  • Sangwonsa Bronze Bell

    The Sangwonsa Bronze Bell, crafted in 725 during the 24th year of King Seongdeok’s reign in the Silla Dynasty, is the oldest surviving temple bell in Korea. Standing 167 cm tall and 91 cm wide, it is housed at Sangwonsa Temple on Mount Odae. The bell is admired for its exquisite beauty, symbolizing the grace of heavenly maidens.

  • Silla Cheomseongdae Observatory

    This full-scale replica recreates the Cheomseongdae Observatory, built in 647 during the 16th year of Queen Seondeok’s reign. It is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in the world, reflecting the Silla Dynasty’s advanced understanding of physics, geometry, and architecture.

  • Goryeo Cheomseongdae Observatory

    This replica of the Goryeo Cheomseongdae is based on remains found west of Manwoldae in Kaesong. The observatory likely housed astronomical instruments such as armillary spheres and sundials. From the early years of the Goryeo Dynasty, specialized institutions were established for recording celestial events and weather observations, leaving behind a rich legacy of astronomical records.

  • Gwancheondae Observatory

    This Gwancheondae, built during the Joseon Dynasty for astronomical observations, was also known as "Soganidae" or "Cheomseongdae." It’s a faithful replica of Historic Site No. 296, originally located at the former site of Whimoon High School in Seoul, with the addition of new stairs, which the original structure did not have. At that time, officials from the Office of Astronomy installed an instrument called the ganui (a simplified armillary sphere) to continuously observe celestial phenomena. The equatorial ring at the top of Gwancheondae was modified to make the ganui easier to use. This improved instrument was used in the later Joseon period to measure the positions of stars and planets using an equatorial coordinate system similar to today’s right ascension and declination.

  • Angbuilgu Sundial

    This replica of Treasure No. 845 is a concave sundial first created in 1443 during the 19th year of King Sejong’s reign. It features 13 latitude lines to indicate the 24 seasonal divisions and vertical hour lines that measure time based on the shadow cast by a central gnomon.

  • Ilseong Jeongsiui

    The Ilseong Jeongsiui is an innovative instrument that combines the functions of a sundial and a star clock, allowing for time measurement both day and night. Developed in 1437 during King Sejong’s reign, it uses the principle of stars rotating around the North Star, and includes several components such as a celestial coordinate ring, solar and star hour rings, a polar axis, and a base for support.

  • Jeongnam Ilgu Sundial

    Created in 1437 during the 19th year of King Sejong’s reign, this sundial measures time and seasonal divisions. A small hole at the end of its pointer aligns with the sun’s altitude, projecting sunlight onto a hundred-degree scale and seasonal lines marked on the dial.

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