Yeoju Botongnihaesigye Valley

Among the many scientific instruments made during the reign of King Sejong, the sundial was first made by Jang Yeong-sil in 1434, the 16th year of King Sejong, and installed at Heumgyeonggak Hall; sundials were also set up at Hyejeonggyo Bridge in Seoul and in front of Jongmyo Shrine, so that the approximate time of day could be read from the direction of the shadow cast by the sun's daily movement. The "Yeoju Botongnihaesigye Valley" stands beside the stone steps of the inner quarters (anchae) of a 43-bay house built by Jo Seok-u, who served as a minister (panseo) in the reign of King Injo of Joseon. In 2012, following repair work on the Kim Yeong-gu House, it was moved to its present position in the front yard at the entrance to the house. Its exact date of production is likewise unknown, but it is thought to have been made after the house was built in 1753, the 29th year of King Yeongjo. The sundial is carved from a single granite stone, square in its upper section and rectangular in its lower section, with the lower part buried in the ground. At the centre of the square upper stone is a hole 4 cm in diameter and 1 cm deep; it is presumed that a simple gnomon was once set into this hole so that the sun's height and direction could be read from the movement of its shadow, but in its present state the sundial's working principle cannot be determined. It bears no decoration, and it is said that an inscription of about two characters once existed on its horizontal surface, but this has worn away so badly that it can no longer be deciphered.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeoju, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Folklore Heritage · 시도민속문화유산