Gimhae observatory

Gimhae observatory crowns the peak of Bunseongsan Mountain in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang province, its distinctive egg-shaped building visible for kilometres around.

About Gimhae observatory

Gimhae observatory is a public astronomical facility on the peak of Bunseongsan Mountain in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang province. Its egg-shaped building was designed in reference to the legend of King Kim Suro, founder of the ancient Geumgwan Gaya kingdom centred on the city, and the observatory's purpose is public education, introducing visitors, especially young people, to the universe and celestial bodies.

History

The observatory was built as a Millennium Commemorative Project. Construction began in December 1998, and the finished facility opened to the public on 1 February 2002.

Telescopes & research

Besides its observation deck, Gimhae observatory houses a hybrid planetarium with an 8.0-metre dome and 40 seats, used for sky shows and astronomy education programmes for visiting school groups and the public.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on the summit of Bunseongsan Mountain, overlooking Gimhae in South Gyeongsang province, South Korea. The hilltop position gives it open views of the sky above the city.

Visiting Gimhae observatory

Gimhae observatory welcomes public visitors for planetarium shows and night-sky viewing as part of its education programme. Because opening hours can change seasonally, check the observatory's current schedule before travelling to Bunseongsan Mountain.

See your named star from here

Every star named through Star Register comes with exact right ascension and declination, so on a clear night at Gimhae observatory a telescope can be turned toward it. Name a star or explore the catalogue to see stars already named.