We study the manufacturers of the astronomical instruments invented as part of the so-called Ganui-Dae (astronomical platform) project in the reign of King Sejong (1418-1450) of the Joseon dynasty. The main purpose of this project was to compile the Chiljeongsan-Naepyeon, a Korean calendar, that lasted for 5.5 years from 1432 to 1438. Through this project, a total of 17 astronomical instruments such as the armillary sphere, celestial globe, and auto-striking clepsydra were developed. It is generally known that most of them were manufactured by Lee Cheon (李蕆, 1376-1451) and Jang Yeong-Sil (蔣英實, fl. 1423-1442). In this study, we investigate the accounts of the Veritable Records of King Sejong, Munjong, and Sejo, focusing on the inscription written out to memorize the completion of the Ganui-Dae project. We found that at least 12 persons took part in manufacturing the astronomical instruments of the Ganui-Dae project. Lee Cheon was involved in the production of four instruments, while Jang Yeong-Sil was involved in two; therefore, it seems that the achievement of Jang Yeong-Sil was overestimated. We also found that Jeong Cho (鄭招, ?-1434) was a scientist and Lee Cheon was an engineer in the early phase of the Ganui-Dae project, while King Sejong and Yi Sun-Ji (李純之, 1406-1465) played major role in the late phase. According to our study, King Sejong and Yi Sun-Ji were involved in the production of at least seven and five instruments, respectively. In conclusion, we believe that this study will be helpful to understand the practical manufacturers of the astronomical instruments invented during the Ganui-Dae project in the Joseon dynasty.

We report the results of our study for ascertaining whether Ganui-dae built in the Josen Dynasty actually performed an astronomical role or not. The Ganui-dae was the first astronomical structure built as a part of the state astronomical undertakings by King Se-Jong. Our analysis was based on the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. At first we extracted the records regarding Ganui-dae from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and then classified them under six heads according to their astronomical meaning and historical significance. From this analysis we found that the Ganui-dae performed the actual astronomical role. In addition, the provisional offices and peoples mentioned in the records show the astronomical correlation. Generally, when taking into account the functional side of the records, the Ganui-dae was related with the observation. Therefore, the Ganui-dae was the space for the astronomical activity. In conclusion, the Ganui-dae was built for the purpose of the astronomical activity.

The Ganui (簡儀, simplified armillary sphere) is a representative of astronomical instruments in Joseon Dynasty of Korea, as well as Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty of China. In early 15th century, Joseon's scientists and engineers uniquely developed the Soganui (小簡儀, small simplified armillary sphere) and the Ilseongjeongsiui (日星定時儀, sun-and-star time determining instrument) from the structural characteristic of Ganui. These two astronomical instruments had a new design by the miniaturization and felt convinced a similar performance of Ganui in the harmony with Korean Astronomy and Astrology Cultures. Since mid-18th century after the enforcement of shixian-li (時憲曆), the Soganui and Ilseongjeongsiui handed over the Jeokdogyeongwiui (赤道經緯儀, equatorial armilla) by a change of the observational framework such as the time and angle measures. The Jeokdogyeongwiui made by Gwansanggam (觀象監, Bureau of Astronomy in Joseon Dynasty) adopted the new observational framework. We studied the structural characteristics and scientific values of these 3 astronomical instruments with theirs observation methods.

Ganui-Dae, built in the reign of King Sejong, Joseon Dynasty, is a comprehensive observatory. It has various instruments for observation and time signal such as Ganui, Gyupyo(Gnomon), water-hammering type Honui and Honsang, and so on. Studying on Ganui-Dae has been focused on its location, history, criterion, etc, so far. However, studying on its external form and construction method has been conducted insufficiently. This study suggests the model for restoration of Ganui-Dae. The model is based on the analysis about external form of Ganui-Dae in various antique maps, and its construction method in those days.