Jang Yeong-sil was a Korean mechanical engineer, scientist, and inventor during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Although Jang was born a peasant, King Sejong allowed Jang to work at the royal palace. Jang's inventions, such as the Cheugugi and the water gauge, highlight the technological advancements of the Joseon Dynasty.
Jang Yeong-sil
Korean celestial globe first made by the scientist Jang Yeong-sil during the Joseon dynasty under the reign of King Sejong the Great of Joseon
Scale model of the ‘water’ half of Jang Yeong-sil's self-striking water clock.
A Korean sundial first made by Jang Yeong-sil during the Joseon period, displayed in Gyeongbokgung.
Joseon, officially Great Joseon State, was a dynastic kingdom of Korea that lasted just over 500 years. It was founded by Taejo of Joseon in July 1392 and replaced by the Korean Empire in October 1897. The kingdom was founded following the aftermath of the overthrow of Goryeo in what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul. The kingdom's northernmost borders were expanded to the natural boundaries at the rivers of Amnok and Tuman through the subjugation of the Jurchens.
King Taejo's portrait
The throne room at Gyeongbok Palace
Portrait of Ha Yeon, who served as Chief State Councillor during King Sejong's reign
A page from the Hunmin Jeongeum Eonhae, a partial translation of Hunminjeongeum, the original promulgation of the Korean alphabet