A Study on the Operation Mechanism of Ongnu, the Astronomical Clock in Sejong Era

• Main Authors: Sang Hyuk Kim, Yong Sam Lee, Min Soo Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Space Science Society (KSSS) 2011-03-01
• Series: Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
• Subjects: Ongnu (Jade Clepsydra); Heumgyeonggak; Jang Yeong-sil; astronomical clock
• Online Access: http://ocean.kisti.re.kr/downfile/volume/kosss/OJOOBS/2011/v28n1/OJOOBS_2011_v28n1_79.pdf

Ongnu (Jade Clepsydra; also called Heumgyeonggaknu) is a water clock was made by Jang Yeong-sil in 1438. It is not only an automatic water clock that makes the sound at every hour on the hour by striking bell, drum and gong, but also an astronomical clock that shows the sun's movement over time. Ongnu‘s power mechanism used is a water-hammering method applied to automatic time-signal device. The appearance of Ongnu is modeled by Gasan (pasted-paper imitation mountain) and Binpungdo (landscape of farming work scene) is drawn at the foot of the mountain. The structure of Ongnu is divided into the top of the mountain, the foot of the mountain and the flatland. There located are sunmovement device, Ongnyeo (jade female immortal; I) and Four gods (shaped of animal-like immortals) at the top of the mountain, Sasin (jack hour) and Musa (warrior) at the foot of the mountain, and Twelve gods, Ongnyeo (II) and Gwanin on the flatland. In this study, we clearly and systematically understood the time-announcing mechanism of each puppet. Also, we showed the working mechanism of the sun-movement device. Finally, we completely established the 3D model of Ongnu based on this study.