[Gimhae, Gyeongnam] Learning about Geumgwan Gaya through Gimhae

[Gimhae, Gyeongnam] Learning about Geumgwan Gaya through Gimhae

Gimhae is often called a “historical museum” among archaeologists who praise the significance that the very city holds in once being the main grounds of Geumgwan Gaya, a ruling city-state of the Gaya confederacy (42-562).

We would like to introduce three key tourist locations in Gimhae, which were formerly designated as the city’s nine main sceneries.

<The Tomb of King Suro, the legendary founder of Geumgwan Gaya.>

▶The Tomb of King Suro, a look at the culture and history of Gimhae

The Tomb of King Suro, located five to 10 minutes away by cab from the Gimhae Intercity Bus Terminal, features many interesting objects representing the founder, who died in 199.

One intriguing aspect of the late king is that his wife, Heo Hwang-ok, was a princess from Ayuta, an Indian country; their marriage is known today as Korea’s first international marriage.

The tomb is 22 meters in diameter and 6 meters in height, but people aren’t allowed to enter. Instead, people can stroll by a pond located nearby, or relish various artifacts of Geumgwan Gaya displayed on the compound.

<Learn more about Gaya culture at the Tomb of King Suro.>

▶ Gimhae Astronomical Observatory

Legend has it that King Suro was born out of an egg, and in accordance with that, the Gimhae Astronomical Observatory is shaped as an egg.

The establishment is largely divided into two sections: the exhibition hall and the observation hall. In the former zone, visitors are able to learn more about outer space through various tools, and in the latter zone, telescopes are on display for people to look through.

<Gimhae Astronomical Observatory is the one-and-only astronomical observatory in the entire Gyeongnam Province.>

The Astronomical Observation Program is a popular educational session that teaches participants about constellation. It’s not available on cloudy days, and fees range between 2,000 won to 4,000 won depending on age. Reservations are compulsory.

The observatory is also a spectacular place to watch the nightscape of Gimhae. Operation hours are 2 to 10 p.m.

<Gimhae Astronomical Observatory offers numerous educational programs about outer-space and features stunning night views.>

▶ Clayarch Gimhae Museum, the world of ceramics and architecture

Located at the mouth of Nakdong River, the longest river in South Korea, Gimhae rose as the hub of commerce in past eras, and actively absorbed Chinese culture. Such a geological edge enabled the city to develop ceramics, especially Gimhae-style pots.

The Clayarch Gimhae Museum was established in 2007 with the aim to become the leading organization for ceramics and architecture. “Clayarch” is a compound of clay and architecture.

The entrance is attached to the Dome House, in which special and permanent exhibitions are held. The ceiling of the Dome House is shaped as a doughnut, and made out of transparent glass so that sunlight can shine through.

<Relish a myriad of cultural and educational events at the Clayarch Gimhae Museum.>

Visitors to the museum can join clay programs and make potteries to take home.

※ Relevant information

▶ Gimhae Astronomical Observatory

- Address: 2-80 San, Eobang-dong, Gimhae, Gyeongnam

- Contact: 055-337-3785 / http://ast.ghdc.or.kr

▶Tomb of King Suro

- Address: 312 Seosang-dong, Gimhae, Gyeongnam

- Contact: 055-330-3589

▶Clayarch Gimhae Museum - 358 Songjeong-ri, Jinrye-myeon, Gimhae, Gyeongnam

- Contact: 055-340-7000  / www.clayarch.org