Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory

High on Yonwha peak in the Sobaek Mountains of South Korea sits the Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory, a working research station run by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). Perched at 1,378 metres, it was the country's first modern astronomical observatory.

About Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory

Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory was founded in 1978 and remains one of KASI's key research sites. Its elevated, mountain-top position keeps it above much of the lower atmosphere's turbulence and light pollution, giving its instruments a clearer view of the sky.

Telescopes & research

The observatory's main instrument is a 61 cm telescope fitted with a 2K CCD imaging system. Astronomers here carry out photometric monitoring of variable stars, track transits of planets around other stars, follow minor planets, study active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray bursters, and contribute follow-up observations for the European Space Agency's Gaia mission.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits in South Korea's Sobaek Mountains at 1,378 metres above sea level, a setting chosen for its dark, high-altitude skies. Details on reaching the site are best confirmed via KASI's official pages before you travel.

Visiting Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory

Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory welcomes roughly 2,000 visitors a year and runs summer and winter CCD photometry courses for university students. Check the KASI website for current visiting arrangements and course schedules.

See your named star from here

Because every named star comes with precise right ascension and declination coordinates, staff at an observatory like this can point a telescope straight at it. If you've named a star with us, its exact position is ready to find, or browse the full star catalogue to see what's already been named.