Park Chang-bom; Translated by Cho Yoon-jung and Park Hyun-ju; Ewha Womans University Press: 180 pp., 15,000 won
This is part of the Spirit of Korean Cultural Roots Series 22 published by Ewha Womans University Press.
Korean science history has mostly focused on the achievements of scientists, frequently interpreted from historical or political viewpoints, rather than the basic scientific value of their research.
The book reviews the general stream of astronomical studies in Korea through historical objects, observation records and life stories of individual scientists as well as the theory of the universe, the mythological universe and relevant popular beliefs and customs.
Korea has a proud tradition of astronomy that has been treasured for thousands of years. Koreans in the past were thorough in observing all things that happened on the earth and in the sky and leaving records of them.
Such activities are the basics of natural sciences that are necessary for the survival of humankind, and the expansion of knowledge.
The book is designed to raise awareness about astronomical achievement despite a lack of interest in the value of traditional sciences, in which the many astronomy-related relics and vast observation records produced with effort over the past 2,000 years have yet to be put in proper order.
- Chung Ah-young