Chemseong-dae, built in Kyoungju in 647 during the reign of Queen Sundok of the Sila Dynasty, is claimed to be the oldest meteorological observatory in the Orient. At the turn of this century, astronomical activities in Korea became somewhat stagnant because of the internal political situation. Since the end of the Korean War, however, astronomical study revived, and a modern observatory was in urgent demand for research and education.

With the establishment of the National Astronomical Observatory on September 13, 1974, the celestial study in Korea gradually has got into full gear. The NAO's main works include researches, compilation of calendars and almanacs, and time report.

Sobaeksan Observing Station, built in the the Tanyang, Chung-chong Puk-do area, 1,390 meters above sea level, is an ultra-modern observatory equipped whth a 60m reflecting telecope and a 20m solar telecope in addition to various other instruments for observation . All the facilities and equipment at the Station are always open to astromomical scientists from any country of the world, not to speak of the Korean astronomers.