• Atmosphere
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.455-469
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• 2011

The Chugudae is a pedestal for the Chugugi. While many Chugudae were made during the Joseon Dynasty period, seven remained in existence until the early 20th century. Only five of them remain to this day-Gwansanggam (Royal Office of Astronomy and Meteorology), the Seonhwadang in Daegu, the Changdeok Palace, Tongyeong, and Yeongyeongdang. The Changdeok Palace Chugudae is the only existing model made not only as a meteorological instrument but also as a memorial statue. It has been a challenge to decipher 41 of the 368 characters in 'Chugugi-myeong (The title of the inscriptions on the Changdeok Palace Chugudae)' as these had been eroded. However, the interpretation of the full text of 'Chugugi-myeong' became possible thanks to the "Cheoljae Jinjeok (澈齋眞蹟)" which was discovered through this study. The key sentences of the 'Chugugi-myeong' include the reason for creation, the size and functions of the Chugugi and a eulogy to the reigns of King Sejong, Youngjo and Jeongjo. Moreover, its splendid design is worthy of further study. To conclude its true meaning and value, the Changdeok Palace Chugudae requires a more extensive investigation from the viewpoint of an art history.