South Korea, Kyongju Astronomical Observatory in Kyŏngju

This set of images of Korea was acquired by the American Geographical Society from Shannon McCune (1913-1993), Professor of Geography and Asian Studies. The pictures were taken between 1938 and 1939 during McCune's stay in Korea when he conducted research for his doctoral dissertation "Climatic Regions of Tyosen (Korea)". In his captions McCune uses Japanese names for Korean places, e.g. Tyosen (Korea), Heizyo (Pyongyang), or Keizyo (Seoul). For more information, please see McCune, Shannon. Climatic Regions of Korea and Their Economy. Geographical Review, Vol. 31, No. 1. (Jan., 1941), pp. 95-99.The old observatory built by Queen Saijo [Seondeok] when Keisyu [Kyongju or Gyeongju] was the capitol of Silla dynasty or kingdom. The oldest building used exclusively for astronomical observations in the world.Its Korean name is 'Cheomseongdae'. The Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory was built in 647 during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Old Silla kingdom. It is one of the oldest surviving structures in Korea and designated as National Treasure #31.Cheomseongdae Observatory. (2012). Asian Historical Architecture. Retrieved from http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/koreasouth/gyeongju/cheomseongdae.phpGrayscal