[Gyeongsangnam-do] Gimhae Astronomical Observatory (김해천문대)

Hello! Here is the detailed information for ‘Gimhae Astronomical Observatory (김해천문대)’.

💡 Overview

Gimhae Astronomical Observatory opened on February 1, 2002 as part of the Millennium Commemorative Project that started in December 1998. It was built to satisfy the general public’s curiosity about the universe and celestial bodies, inspire young people, and give everyone a unique, memorable experience. The observatory is shaped like an egg, in memory of the legend of King Kim Suro, the founder of the Garak Kingdom, according to which the king was born from an egg.

It is said that the queen of King Suro, Heo Hwang-ok, was a princess from the Indian country of Ayuta. Since sophisticated navigation equipment had yet to be invented, it can be assumed that she found her way to the Garak Kingdom by following the stars. It is also said that a prince of the Garak Kingdom built an observatory on the highest point of a mud fortress in Jinrye in order to make astronomical observations. The place is still referred to as Bibidan, which means a place to watch the stars.

These historical facts indicate the stars were very important to the Gaya, an ancient kingdom established mainly in the Gimhae area. The peak of Bunseongsan Mountain, where the observatory is located, offers sweeping views of the entire area of Gimhae. The night sky of Gimhae offers a breathtaking sight.

📋 Detailed Information

📍 Address	254, Gaya thema-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (Zipcode: 50833)
📞 Phone	+82-55-337-3785
🌐 Website	www.ghast.or.kr (Korean only)
Operating Hours	14:00-22:00 (Last admission is 30 minutes before closing)
Day Off	Mondays (or the following day, if Monday is a holiday), New Year’s Day
Parking	Available
Experience Guide	Constellation Program / Astronomical Observation Program / Telescope Handling Program
Inquiries and Information	• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-55-337-3785

📝 Additional Information

📸 Gallery (Click to enlarge)

---

📍 Nearby Attractions

• 
  Dongsang Market (동상시장)Distance: 1.8km | 25 Guji-ro 180beon-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• 
  Mh Modern House – Homeplus Gimhae Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (MH 모던하우스 홈플러스김해)Distance: 1.9km | 2078, Gimhae-daero, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• 
  Gimhae National Museum (국립김해박물관)Distance: 1.7km | 190 Gayaui-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• 
  Gimhae Gujibong Peak (김해 구지봉) 🔗Distance: 1.9km | Gusan-dong, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• Gimhae Gaya History Park (김해가야테마파크) 🔗Distance: 396m | 161 Gaya thema-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• Bunsanseong Fortress (김해 분산성) 🔗Distance: 665m | 210-162, Gaya-ro 405beon-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• Gimhae Arts and Sports Center (김해문화의전당)Distance: 2.0km | 2060, Gimhae-daero, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Source: Korea Tourism Organization