Cheomsongdae Observatory

Cheomsongdae Observatory

Cheomsongdae Observatory in Gyeongju is the oldest observatory in East Asia.

The building dates back to the 7th century and the rule of Queen Seondeok (632-647) in the Silla dynasty. The 12 stones at the base of the building may represent the 12 months of the year or the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. The number of stones in the construction equals the number of days in a lunar year - 362.

The structure is illuminated at night and a favorite place for lovers' snaps.

Korea images © Daniel Allen

Korea Headlines October 25 2009

Korean Headlines

North Koreans meet US envoys in New York

BBC

Fears grow about roaming wild boars

Korea Herald

Calvin Klein’s Sexy Billboard to Be Taken Down

Korea Times

Seoul to Host Snowboarding Contest

Chosun Ilbo

Previous Korea news

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Arirang Festival 2009 Ends

Arirang Festival 2009

The Arirang Festival 2009 officially ended on Tuesday in North Korea. The world's largest choreographed display attracted 1.4 million spectators according to the authorities in Pyongyang.

The Arirang Festival began at May Day Stadium in mid-August. Guests included Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who watched the festival with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il on October 5.

© Korea Guide

Seoul By Night

Seoul Illuminated

As well as the Banpo Bridge many areas of Seoul are now lit at night and have colored water displays.

Korea images © Daniel Allen

Korea Headlines October 18 2009

Korean Headlines

North Korean diplomat to visit US

BBC

Drunk defense under scrutiny

Korea Herald

Koreans Detained in Foreign Countries Top 1,000

Korea Times

Construction of Asia's Tallest Building Starts

Chosun Ilbo

Previous Korea news

© Korea Guide

North Korea Map

North Korea Map

New "cartograms" from Worldmapper graphically show the population density of North Korea.

The estimated total population of North Korea in 2008 was 23,479,088, less than half the population of South Korea.

Click on the map to enlarge it.

© Copyright 2009 SASI Group (University of Sheffield)

Korea Headlines October 11 2009

Korean Headlines

North Korean 'may return to talks'

BBC

More Korean women in 20s, 30s remain single

Korea Herald

President Lee’s Bicycle Sold for 310,000 Won

Korea Times

'Sarang' Named Loveliest Korean Word

Chosun Ilbo

Previous Korea news

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Banpo Bridge Seoul

Banpo Bridge Seoul

In 2008 the 1.4 km-long Banpo Bridge in Seoul got a major facelift with the installation of a 9,380-jet fountain that runs along both sides of the bridge that crosses the Han River.

The nozzles spray 190 tons of water per minute pumped from the river below. The fountain is illuminated at night, set to music and makes for a dramatic sight.

Korea images © Daniel Allen

Korea Headlines October 4 2009

Korean Headlines

Chinese premier meets North Korean leader Kim Jong-il BBC

"Comfort Women" victims pin hopes on Japan PM Hatoyama Korea Herald

Chuseok holiday-travelers' traffic clogs highways Korea Times

Korean Economy 'to Grow 3.6% Next Year' Chosun Ilbo

Previous Korea news

© Korea Guide

South Korea Map

South Korea Map

New style "cartograms" from Worldmapper graphically show the very high population density of South Korea.

The main population density areas are Seoul and neighboring Incheon. The gray areas represent areas of low population density, with only the south west and eastern coasts having a relatively sparse population.



The estimated total population of South Korea in 2008 was 48,379,392.

Click on the map to enlarge it.

© Copyright 2009 SASI Group (University of Sheffield)

© Korea Guide