Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cheomseongdae Observatory" in Korean
“Cheomseongdae Observatory” in Korean is 첨성대 (pronounced "cheomseongdae").
첨성대
cheomseongdae
Usage & Context
Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia, built during the Silla Dynasty. It dates to the 7th century and is a symbol of ancient Korean scientific achievement. It is a National Treasure and one of Gyeongju most visited sites.
Example Sentence
첨성대는 신라 시대에 지어진 천문대예요.
Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory built during the Silla era.
How to use 첨성대 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cheomseongdae Observatory” is 첨성대, romanized as cheomseongdae.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 첨성대.
Pronunciation Guide
첨 (cheom) sounds like 'chum' in 'chummy' but with a slightly more open 'eo' vowel. 성 (seong) is pronounced like 'sung' in 'sunglasses'. 대 (dae) sounds like the English word 'day'. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Recommending a tourist attraction to a friend.
경주에 가면 첨성대를 꼭 봐야 해요.
If you go to Gyeongju, you must see Cheomseongdae.
A museum guide explaining an exhibit.
첨성대는 신라 시대의 과학 기술을 보여주는 유물이에요.
Cheomseongdae is a relic that shows the scientific technology of the Silla era.
Describing a pleasant evening experience in Gyeongju.
밤에 첨성대 주변을 산책하면 정말 아름다워요.
It's truly beautiful to take a walk around Cheomseongdae at night.
Cultural Context
Cheomseongdae (첨성대) is an iconic symbol of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, and a testament to early Korean scientific achievements. It's often featured in historical dramas set in the Silla period, showcasing its architectural uniqueness and historical significance. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists, representing Korea's rich ancient history and scientific prowess.
Editorial note
We review entries like 첨성대 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
첨성대 앞에서
In front of Cheomseongdae
첨성대 야경
Cheomseongdae night view
첨성대와 대릉원
Cheomseongdae and Daereungwon (nearby park)
Related Expressions
경주
gyeongju
Gyeongju (city where it's located)
신라
silla
Silla Dynasty
천문대
cheonmundae
Observatory (general term)
석굴암
seokguram
Seokguram Grotto (another Gyeongju landmark)
More Korean History Words
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