skycultures/korean/description.md
The Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (天象列次分野之圖, "Chart of Constellations, Each Star Division, and Their Field Allocations") is one of the oldest and most representative ancient star maps existing in Korea. It was first carved on stone in 1396 AD (the 3rd year of King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty), but its original source can be traced back to the Unified Silla and Goryeo period, and even directly to Chinese star charts from the Tang Dynasty (or earlier). Today, it serves not only as an important physical artifact for studying East Asian ancient astronomy, but also as a testament to the long-term exchange and integration among East Asian countries in the fields of astronomy, calendrics, and astrology.
Rubbing of the Second Carving of the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido
The Chinese, Korean, and Japanese constellations have the same origin and look very similar in shape. The names of the constellations first appeared in the Records of the Grand Historian (史記) of the Western Han dynasty, which recorded more than 100 constellations before 100 BC. In the 3rd century AD, the constellations were standardized, eventually establishing 283 constellations with 1464 stars. During the Sui and Tang dynasties (7th-8th c. AD), Chinese astronomical works spread to Korea and Japan. Representative works from this period include the Dunhuang Star Map from China, the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido from Korea, and the Moon's path chart (格子月進図) from Japan. After the Tang dynasty, the star patterns of the three countries began to develop independently, and the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido became the representative star map of Korean constellations.
According to the postscript at the bottom of the stone tablet, there was originally an astronomical map stone in Pyongyang, which sank into the Taedong River during a war, and its rubbings were gradually lost. Shortly after King Taejo (이성계, 李成桂) ascended the throne, someone presented a rubbing. The king regarded it as a great treasure and ordered the Office of Astronomical Observation (書雲觀) to re-carve a stone based on this rubbing. The office noted that the star positions had shifted due to precession and recommended re-measuring the meridian transit stars at dawn and dusk for different seasons to produce a new map. After the king's approval, the office submitted a new treatise Jungseonggi (中星記) in mid-1395, and then a new star map was carved on stone using the old chart and the newly measured stars. The inscription is dated "December of the 28th year of the Hongwu era", i.e., January 1396.
This stone tablet has star maps and inscriptions on both sides, identical in content but upside down relative to each other. Side A has the star map at the top and the title/inscription below, shifted to one side and misaligned vertically. Side B has a typical layout (title, star map, inscription), but the figures and text are almost completely worn away. Various guesses exist about the reason for double-sided carving: scarcity of large stone, a re-carving during King Sejong or Sejo's reign, or even that Side A is a draft.
By the reign of King Sukjong (1674-1720), the original stone was badly worn (another account says it was buried in ruins after the Japanese invasion of 1592-1598). In 1687 (13th year of Sukjong), a new stone was re-carved from rubbings and placed under a small shelter at the Royal Observatory outside Changdeokgung. The original is called "First Carving", and the new one "Second Carving". In 1770 (46th year of King Yeongjo), the First Carving was found at Gyeongbokgung; Yeongjo ordered it moved to the Royal Observatory to be kept together with the Second Carving, and named the storage place "Geungyeongak", inscribing the plaque with his own handwriting.
After the fall of the Joseon Dynasty in 1910, Geungyeongak was destroyed, and both stones were left under the eaves of Myeongjeongjeon in Changgyeongwon (later renamed Changgyeongwon). In 1936, the American missionary W. C. Rufus praised the map in his book Astronomy in Korea as "a detailed and accurate astronomical chart that is a compilation of Asian planetariums", bringing the stones to world attention. After wars and turbulence, they returned to public view only in the 1960s, and were collected by museums in the 1970s. In 1985, the First Carving was designated as National Treasure No. 228 of Korea, and the Second Carving as Treasure No. 837. Both are now housed in the National Palace Museum of Korea next to Gyeongbokgung.
The Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido depicts 1467 stars, a slight change from the traditional Chinese count of 1464: it adds one constellation "Jongdaebu" (宗大夫, 4 stars, e.g. 74 Oph) in the Heavenly Market Enclosure; adds one star to Munchang (文昌, e.g. τ UMa), one to Yeondo (輦道, e.g. 17 Cyg), and one to Cheonwon (天園, e.g. κ Eri); removes three stars from Gibu (器府, e.g. δ Cen); and omits the constelltion Cheongi (天記, 1 star, possibly γ Pyx). Some star names differ from common versions (e.g., Cheonchang "天槍" written as "天倉", Donggu "東甌" as "東區", Gyeonha "梗河" as "更河" with different characters, Jwagyeong/Ugyeong "左/右更" as "左/右梗" with different characters). In this sky culture, these errors have been corrected.
Compared with the Suzhou Star Map and most traditional Chinese star maps, the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido has three notable features:
The Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido belongs to the typical "covering diagram" (a representation under the gaitian cosmology). It features three concentric circles centered on the north celestial pole:
In addition, a circle inclined 24° to the equator represents the ecliptic – the apparent path of the Sun. From the inner circle, 28 radial lines of unequal spacing correspond to the lunar mansion degree lines, with their values inscribed outside the outer circle, matching the Shi Shi's (石氏) degree values listed below.
Outside the outer circle, there are texts for the twelve Earthly Branches, the twelve states/fields, and the twelve zodiacal signs. Above the map, surrounding the character "天" (heaven), are the dawn/dusk meridian stars for the 24 solar terms (as measured by the Office for the Jungseonggi). At the top left and right are the solar and lunar mansions, explaining the relationship between the Sun's motion and seasonal changes, the Moon's nine paths, and the nodes. Eight small patches contain the star counts, degrees, and configurations of the four directions' seven mansions each. On the lower side, the right section is "On Heaven" (mainly from the Book of Jin: Treatise on Astronomy, discussing the celestial sphere theory and other cosmologies), and the left section gives the Shi Shi's 28 mansion degree values and polar distances. The bottommost postscript records the origin of the carving, praises King Taejo, and lists the officials involved and the date.
The date of the original stone (the Pyongyang stone) on which the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido is based has long been a key question.
W. C. Rufus believed the map came from Goguryeo and derived from a Chinese star chart of the year 672 AD (Xianheng 3rd year of Tang). This view was once widely accepted.
Pan Nai, a Chinese historian of astronomy, argued from the positions of the equinoxes, relative positions of bright stars, and stars near the ecliptic and equator that the map must have been transmitted to Korea before the unification of Silla (675 AD), and that its source dates to the early Tang or earlier. He noted that the "On Heaven" text and the twelve divisions are quoted from the Book of Jin and Book of Sui (completed by Li Chunfeng in the mid-7th century), so the source cannot be earlier than that; but the lunar mansion degrees use the Shi Shi's values (observed around 100 BC) rather than Yi Xing's new measurements (early 8th century), so it cannot be later than Yi Xing. Thus the source map was drawn between the Zhenguan period and the early Kaiyuan period (ca. 627-713 AD).
Additionally, the constellation "Geonseong" (建星, e.g. ξ2 Sgr) is carved as "Ipseong" (立星) on Side A of the First Carving (Side B is too worn), but restored to "Geonseong" on the Second Carving. This avoidance of the character "建" is thought to be a taboo for the name of Wang Geon (王建), the first king of the Goryeo Dynasty (Korean kings were posthumously tabooed). That suggests the source map came from the Goryeo period (918-1392), not Goguryeo. Early Joseon astronomers inherited many practices from Goryeo; if the original had no taboo, they would not have deliberately altered it, but if the original already had the taboo, they would naturally follow it.
Taken together, a plausible reconstruction is that the map obtained by King Taejo was not a rubbing but a Goryeo copy. The copy changed "Geonseong" to "Ipseong" to avoid taboo, and when the First Carving was made, the Office followed that copy. Only later, for the Second Carving, was it changed back. Nevertheless, the star patterns and degree data retain early Tang to early Kaiyuan features, so the original source likely dates to the early 8th century or earlier.
The dating of the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido is complex. Its source may be Tang Chinese, but the data may be older. Most constellations indeed reflect early (pre-7th century) Chinese forms.
However, mathematical calculations (e.g., Kim Dong-guk, 2020) show that different parts of the map yield different epochs. Roughly by polar distance: regions within 30° of the north celestial pole give an epoch around 1270 AD; the second group (45°-105°) around 240 AD; the third group (>105°) as early as 500 BC. The third group is problematic – Chinese constellations were not fully formed until the Han dynasty, and the earliest all-sky star catalog (Shi Shi's) dates only to around 100 BC. Moreover, historical records say the map was re-measured in 1395, yet the computed epochs never reach the 14th century.
From the data, the lunar mansion degrees are Shi Shi's (ca. 100 BC), and many constellations correspond well to Shi Shi's data, but counterexamples exist. Some constellations are drawn differently from Chinese tradition, e.g., Cheongyun (天囷, e.g. α Cet) and Chilgong (七公, e.g. δ Boo). The constellations Gigwan (騎官, e.g. c1 Cen) and Urimgun (羽林軍, e.g. δ Aqr), which in Chinese tradition are described as "three stars linked in groups of three", are drawn as a single continuous chain in the Korean map. These details may indicate modifications between the Tang era and the 14th-century recarving.
Re-examining the three groups: The first (polar region) clearly shows early Chinese shapes (pre-7th century) but enlarged. The map places star HIP 62572 at the north celestial pole – this star was closest to the pole in the 9th century, suggesting this region was adjusted (perhaps simply shifted and scaled) between the 7th and 14th centuries to put the new pole star at the center. The second group's computed date (3rd century AD) coincides with the time when Chen Zhuo Integrated the three star catalogs (including Shi Shi's) and standardized the 283 constellations. The third group's bizarre early date is likely due to large drawing errors and severe distortion near the map's periphery, making mathematical results unreliable.
Overall, the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido has a very complex chronology. Its origins go back to Shi Shi's catalog (ca. 100 BC) and Chen Zhuo's standardization (3rd century AD), but later modifications are evident. Different regions have different epochs, indicating that the map was split and reassembled. Although it can be divided into three groups, the relative positions of constellations – for example, the obvious offset near the lunar mansion Jeo (氐宿, e.g. α2 Lib) – suggest that it may have undergone even more fragmentation. The method of reassembly was likely unscientific, resulting in different degrees of translation, rotation, and scaling in different regions of the map. Without considering these factors and preprocessing the data to correct such distortions, direct mathematical dating of the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido yields results that may contain significant errors.
Some small details were noticed during the identification. Though isolated and inconclusive, they may still be worth noting for future research.
For example, Buyeol (傅說, G Sco) and Eo (魚, M7) have polar distances >105° (third group). In both the Korean map and Shi Shi's catalog, Buyeol is placed north of Eo, which contradicts the actual relative positions. This consistency in error may indicate a direct data inheritance from Shi Shi.
Conversely, there are also mismatches: Daereung (大陵) and Cheonseon (天船) (second group) – in Shi Shi's catalog, the northern stars are η Per and k Per, which do not match the Korean map; the only ancient Chinese record that matches the Korean map is a star catalog compiled during the Jingyou era of the Northern Song dynasty (1034 AD).
Proper motion also affects shapes: η Cas in Wangnyang (王良) and λ Aur in Hamji (咸池) have positions in the Korean map that fit a later epoch rather than an early one; while ο2 Eri in Gujusugu (九州殊口) shows an early shape, though its identification is doubtful.
Some scholars argue that such small details are insufficient to draw conclusions, given the map's inherent inaccuracy.
Like the dating, the identification of the Korean map's stars is difficult and has no single accepted result.
Because the map was likely split and reassembled, we must correctly assign each constellation to its original block, as positions shift between blocks. The constellations are highly consistent with early Chinese constellations, requiring deep familiarity with ancient Chinese star names. Moreover, because the map may have been modified several times between the Tang dynasty and the 14th century, one must also consider historical changes in Chinese constellations to decide which may have been altered. Later modifications can cause more serious problems: if carelessly done at that time, altered constellations might overlap with others; if many such overlaps exist, identification becomes extremely difficult.
Our identification aims to reflect the original appearance of the Korean map. We fully considered historical changes. When choosing between shape and brightness, we gave priority to shape and position, even if that meant using fainter stars. In extreme cases, stars fainter than magnitude 6.5 had to be used – probably due to inaccuracies in the map rather than intentional choice. We did not directly assume that constellations overlap; however, when no other explanation was possible, we had to present them as overlapping (e.g., Gigwan 騎官 and Guyu 九斿).
China, Japan, and Korea share the same constellation system. The Chinese characters used for constellation names are largely identical, but their English translations differ, and the pronunciations in each language are completely different. Given the unique consistency of East Asian sky cultures, it is necessary to have an identical field as a primary key to identify the same constellation across different cultures. This will facilitate further comparative cultural research based on Stellarium.
According to Stellarium's specification, constellation IDs (Abbreviated names) should use pronunciation-based abbreviations for ease of memorization, rather than plain numbers. However, as noted above, using a numeric ID as a common primary key across East Asian sky cultures is a more suitable choice. Therefore, we have decided to use numeric IDs instead of pronunciation-based abbreviations — not only because pronunciations vary across regions, but also because a dedicated pronounce field already exists, so there is no need for a redundant ID that reflects pronunciation.
The order of constellation IDs in the current East Asian sky culture is derived from the Tang-Dynasty Chinese constellation poem Bu Tian Ge (Song of the Sky Pacers). This poem is widely known, and the constellation sequence it records is regarded as a conventional standard. Specifically, all 283 constellations are divided into 31 groups based on the Three Enclosures and the 28 Mansions. The Three Enclosures each use an initial letter (P, S, H) as a prefix, followed by numbers for the constellations within each Enclosure. Here P stands for the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, S for the Supreme Palace Enclosure, and H for the Heavenly Market Enclosure. In contrast, the 28 Mansions are numbered from 01 to 28, and the constellations within each mansion are named with letters. For example, 01A denotes the first constellation of the Horn Mansion.
Purple Forbidden Enclosure (Korean: 자미, Hanja: 紫微, Romanization: Jami) is the place where the Heavenly Emperor resides and discusses affairs with close ministers.
Northern Pole (Korean: 북극, Hanja: 北極, Romanization: Bukgeuk) consists of 5 stars in the central part of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure. It is one of the most important constellations in Chinese star culture. The five stars are Crown Prince (γ UMi), Emperor (β UMi), Bastard (4 UMi), Harem (3 UMi), and Northern Pole star (HIP 62572, also known as Celestial Pivot or Ancient Star).
Due to precession, the Emperor Star (β UMi) was the brightest star closest to the north celestial pole for a long period before the Common Era, making it the North Star at that time. This period was crucial for the formation of the star official system, so this star held a lofty status and was regarded as the Celestial Emperor. The three stars around the Emperor Star (γ UMi, 4 UMi, 3 UMi) were seen as the Three Excellencies assisting the Celestial Emperor, which were the three highest-ranking officials in ancient times.
Starting from the Han Dynasty, the north celestial pole gradually moved away from the Emperor Star and approached the faint star HIP 65595. This was the era when Chinese constellations were finally established. HIP 65595 was considered the North Star at that time, and together with the aforementioned Emperor Star and the Three Excellencies, a total of five stars formed the Northern Pole constellation. The meaning of the star officials was also reconstructed, with the Three Excellencies becoming Crown Prince, Bastard, and Harem.
Soon, before the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the north celestial pole approached HIP 62572. This star is also faint but brighter than HIP 65595, so HIP 62572 replaced the previous HIP 65595 and became the new North Star. For several hundred years thereafter, spanning important dynasties such as Sui, Tang, Song, and Yuan, up to the Ming Dynasty when the Xianglin star chart was drawn, this star was observed as the North Star in China.
In the Ming Dynasty, the north celestial pole moved away from HIP 62572 and approached α UMi, which is the contemporary North Star. However, since α UMi, as the brightest star in the Gou Chen constellation, already had a meaning that had been used for millennia, it could not be included as a member of the North Star official. Therefore, HIP 62572 continued to retain its name as Northern Pole Celestial Pivot, even though it was no longer the North Star.
Four Advisors (Korean: 사보, Hanja: 四輔, Romanization: Sabo) consists of 4 stars surrounding the Northern Pole star (HIP 62572). They represent four auxiliary ministers assisting the Northern Pole.
Because the Northern Pole star has undergone positional changes from HIP 65595 to HIP 62572, the Four Advisors had to change accordingly, making the identification of these four stars on star charts often very difficult, and there can be significant differences between different star charts.
Curved Array (Korean: 구진, Hanja: 勾陳, Romanization: Gujin) consists of 6 stars in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, arranged like a hook. It represents the Emperor's harem, with the brightest star α UMi representing the primary consort.
During the Han Dynasty, Curved Array consisted of 4 stars (α, δ, ε, ζ). Later, no later than the Jin Dynasty, two stars were added (HIP 16489, HIP 4283). Because the two newly added stars at the hook's head were too faint, its shape frequently changed on star charts. Since the Song Dynasty, it was fixed as 2 UMi and HIP 112833. Later, due to positional changes of the Interior Seats of the Five Emperors, during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, HIP 112833 was replaced by HIP 113116.
Great Emperor of Heaven (Korean: 천황대제, Hanja: 天皇大帝, Romanization: Cheonhwangdaeje) is 1 star in the mouth of the Curved Array. In Taoism, the Heavenly Emperor is also known as the Hook Array Emperor because of its location in the Curved Array.
He assists the Jade Emperor in governing the north and south celestial poles and the Three Powers (heaven, earth, and humanity), overseeing all stars, serving as the emperor of all celestial bodies and constellations, ruling over the stars, and managing all military and warfare affairs in the human world. Thus, he is regarded as the god of war and martial deity.
Initially, the Great Emperor of Heaven corresponded to 2 UMi. However, with changes in the Curved Array constellation, the Great Emperor of Heaven was changed to HIP 115746 until the end of the Ming Dynasty. There are also a very few works that correspond the Great Emperor of Heaven to the brightest star α UMi of the Curved Array, but this is not mainstream.
Six Jia (Korean: 육갑, Hanja: 六甲, Romanization: Yukgap) consists of 6 stars in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, beside the Canopy of the Emperor and Canopy Support. Six Jia refers to the six Heavenly Stems paired with "Jia", including Jiazi, Jiaxu, Jiashen, Jiawu, Jiachen, and Jiayin. Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are important timekeeping units in China, also commonly used for counting, naming, and divination. This constellation is used to determine the seasons in the celestial world, manage yin and yang, and announce time to people, promulgating decrees and promoting moral education.
Interior Seats of the Five Emperors (Korean: 오제좌, Hanja: 五帝坐, Romanization: Ojejwa) consists of 5 stars under the Canopy of the Emperor, beside the Canopy Support. They are the seats of the Five Emperors of the five directions. The Five Emperors include the Green Emperor, Red Emperor, Yellow Emperor, White Emperor, and Black Emperor, corresponding to the east, south, center, west, and north directions respectively.
Canopy of the Emperor (Korean: 화개, Hanja: 華蓋, Romanization: Hwagae) consists of 7 stars above the Great Emperor of Heaven, at the back gate of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, just covering the Great Emperor of Heaven. It is the umbrella used by the Emperor.
Canopy Support (Korean: 강, Hanja: 杠, Romanization: Gang) consists of 9 stars under the Canopy of the Emperor, serving as the handle of the canopy.
Celestial Pillar (Korean: 천주, Hanja: 天柱, Romanization: Cheonju) consists of 5 stars near the Purple Forbidden East Wall, close to the northern end of the wall. They are pillars in the Heavenly Palace used for posting decrees. Bans are often issued here at the beginning and middle of the month to notify all officials.
Maids-in-waiting (Korean: 여어궁, Hanja: 女御宮, Romanization: Yeoeogung) consists of 4 stars north of the Curved Array, serving as maids in the palace.
Official of Royal Archives (Korean: 주하사, Hanja: 柱下史, Romanization: Juhasa) is 1 star northeast of the Northern Pole, close to the Royal Secretary. It is a historian responsible for recording daily affairs in the palace.
Female Protocol (Korean: 여사, Hanja: 女史, Romanization: Yeosa) is 1 star north of the Official of Royal Archives. It is a female official in charge of timekeeping by water clock in the palace.
Royal Secretary (Korean: 상서, Hanja: 尚書, Romanization: Sangseo) consists of 5 stars in the southeast corner of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, inside the south gate. It is an official responsible for documents and memorials, offering advice to the Heavenly Emperor.
Hidden Virtue (Korean: 음덕, Hanja: 陰德, Romanization: Eumdeok) consists of 2 stars inside the Purple Forbidden Enclosure gate, west of the Royal Secretary. It refers to good deeds done in secret, in charge of benefiting the people and providing relief and comfort.
Chief Judge (Korean: 대리, Hanja: 大理, Romanization: Daeri) consists of 2 stars inside the left star of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure gate, close to Hidden Virtue. It is an official in charge of trial and punishment, used for divining wrongful convictions.
Celestial Bed (Korean: 천상, Hanja: 天床, Romanization: Cheonsang) consists of 6 stars outside the Purple Forbidden Enclosure gate. It is the bed where the Heavenly Emperor sleeps and rests.
Celestial Great One (Korean: 천일, Hanja: 天一, Romanization: Cheon-il) is 1 star outside the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, south of the right star of the palace gate. It is the god of the Heavenly Emperor, governing the operation of the Heavenly Tao, coordinating the twelve divine generals, and presiding over wars and personal good fortune.
First Great One (Korean: 태일, Hanja: 太一, Romanization: Taeil) is 1 star south of Celestial Great One, close to it. It governs the sixteen gods and is responsible for predicting natural disasters and social upheavals such as wind, rain, floods, droughts, wars, famines, and plagues.
Inner Kitchen (Korean: 내주, Hanja: 內厨, Romanization: Naeju) consists of 2 stars outside the southwest corner of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, the kitchen responsible for the palace's diet.
Celestial Kitchen (Korean: 천주, Hanja: 天厨, Romanization: Cheonju) consists of 6 stars outside the northeast corner of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, the kitchen responsible for state banquet catering.
Guest House (Korean: 전사, Hanja: 傳舍, Romanization: Jeonsa) consists of 9 stars outside the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, above the Canopy of the Emperor, close to the Milky Way. It is a place for guests to stay.
Eight Kinds of Crops (Korean: 팔곡, Hanja: 八穀, Romanization: Palgok) consists of 8 stars north of the Five Chariots, in front of the Inner Steps. The eight kinds of grain crops are rice, millet, barley, wheat, soybeans, small beans, millet, and hemp. They are used for divining agricultural harvests.
Inner Steps (Korean: 내계, Hanja: 內階, Romanization: Naegye) consists of 6 stars north of the Administrative Center, the steps for the Heavenly Emperor to go up and down, connecting the back gate of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure with the Administrative Center.
Administrative Center (Korean: 문창, Hanja: 文昌, Romanization: Munchang) consists of 6 stars in front of the bowl of the Northern Dipper (the Big Dipper), west of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, shaped like a half-moon and a basket, known as "the dipper wearing a basket". It is a collective name for six government departments or officials, including the Great General, Second General, Distinguished Premier, Deified Judge of Life, Deified Judge of Central Affairs, and Deified Judge of Rank, in charge of cultural education, etiquette and music, rewarding and punishing officials, adding salaries, and promoting officials to higher positions.
There are two theories regarding the number of stars in this constellation: six or seven. The original version consisted of seven stars: ο, τ, 23, υ, φ, θ, 15 UMa. In later Chinese traditions, the six-star version became mainstream. During the Tang Dynasty, due to inaccuracies in star charting, the entire constellation rotated counterclockwise, leading to changes in the corresponding stars, which were then altered to 23, υ, φ, θ, 15, HIP 44504/18 UMa, making a total of six stars. However, the older version continued to circulate. The Administrative Center constellation depicted in the Xianglin star chart is the early, unaltered version.
Celestial Prison (Korean: 천뢰, Hanja: 天牢, Romanization: Cheolloe) consists of 6 stars under the bowl of Northern Dipper, a prison for detaining law-breaking nobles.
Three Top Instructors (Korean: 삼공, Hanja: 三公, Romanization: Samgong) consists of 3 stars west of the first star (α UMa) of the bowl of the Northern Dipper. The Three Top Instructors are the Grand Protector, Grand Tutor, and Grand Preceptor, the highest officials responsible for national military and political affairs.
Northern Dipper (Korean: 북두, Hanja: 北斗, Romanization: Bukdu) consists of 7 stars south of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, corresponds to the Big Dipper in the West. The first 4 stars (α, β, γ, δ UMa) are called Dou Kui (the Bowl or Ladle's Head), and the last 3 stars (ε, ζ, η UMa) are called Dou Bing or Dou Shao (the Handle). Shaped like a ladle and located in the northern sky, it symbolizes the Heavenly Emperor's chariot.
The Northern Dipper lies within the circumpolar circle, is highly distinctive, and its stars are bright. Therefore, it became a crucial constellation for determining direction and indicating the seasons. By using the Northern Dipper, one can easily locate other bright stars and constellations in the sky.
Assistant (Korean: 보, Hanja: 輔, Romanization: Bo) is 1 star, the prime minister or minister assisting the Northern Dipper.
Judge for Nobility (Korean: 천리, Hanja: 天理, Romanization: Cheolli) consists of 4 stars in the Northern Dipper's dipper. It is a prison for nobles and also a law enforcement official.
Three Excellencies (Korean: 삼공, Hanja: 三公, Romanization: Samgong) consists of 3 stars south of the Northern Dipper's handle. The Three Excellencies include the Grand Commandant, Minister over the Masses, and Minister of Works, the same as the Three Top Instructors, three highly respected official positions.
Prime Minister (Korean: 상, Hanja: 相, Romanization: Sang) is 1 star south of the fourth star of the Northern Dipper. It is the prime minister, assisting the Emperor in managing state affairs, the highest administrative official under the monarch, leading all officials and holding military power.
Guard of the Sun (Korean: 태양수, Hanja: 太陽守, Romanization: Taeyangsu) is 1 star southwest of the Prime Minister. It is a general responsible for garrison and alert.
Eunuch (Korean: 세, Hanja: 勢, Romanization: Se) consists of 4 stars northwest of the Guard of the Sun, officials who have been castrated, specifically eunuchs.
Sombre Lance (Korean: 현과, Hanja: 玄戈, Romanization: Hyeongwa) is 1 star north of the Twinkling Indicator, close to the Celestial Spear and one end of the Northern Dipper. This is a weapon, a halberd, the celestial lance or a weapon used by northern nomadic tribes. It is used to divine whether northern nomadic tribes will invade.
Celestial Spear (Korean: 천창, Hanja: 天槍, Romanization: Cheonchang) consists of 3 stars east of the Northern Dipper's handle. It is a weapon for defending the Purple Forbidden Enclosure.
Celestial Flail (Korean: 천봉, Hanja: 天棓, Romanization: Cheonbong) consists of 5 stars northeast of the Woman's Bed, a big stick, like the Celestial Spear, also a defensive weapon.
Royals (Korean: 태존, Hanja: 太尊, Romanization: Taejon) is 1 star north of the Middle Step. It represents royal relatives.
Supreme Palace Enclosure (Korean: 태미, Hanja: 太微, Romanization: Taemi) is the Heavenly Court where the Heavenly Emperor handles government affairs, mainly composed of various officials. The south gate is called the Meridian Gate.
Seats of the Five Emperors (Korean: 오제, Hanja: 五帝, Romanization: Oje) consists of 5 stars in the center of the Supreme Palace Enclosure, the seats of the Five Emperors of the five directions. In the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, there is also the Interior Seats of the Five Emperors. The central bright star (β Leo) is the seat of Yellow Emperor, symbolizing the Son of Heaven.
Inner Screen (Korean: 내병, Hanja: 內屏, Romanization: Naebyeong) consists of 4 stars inside the Meridian Gate, near the south of the Seats of the Five Emperors, close to the Right Law Administrator (β Vir).
Usher to the Court (Korean: 알자, Hanja: 謁者, Romanization: Alja) is 1 star north of the Left Law Administrator (η Vir).
Three Excellencies (Korean: 삼공내좌, Hanja: 三公內坐, Romanization: Samgongnaejwa) consists of 3 stars, northeast of the Usher to the Court.
Nine Senior Officers (Korean: 구경, Hanja: 九卿, Romanization: Gugyeong) consists of 3 stars, north of the Three Excellencies.
Five Lords (Korean: 오제후, Hanja: 五諸侯, Romanization: Ojehu) consists of 5 stars, south of the Officers of the Imperial Guard.
Crown Prince (Korean: 태자, Hanja: 太子, Romanization: Taeja) is 1 star north of the Seat of Yellow Emperor.
Retinue (Korean: 종관, Hanja: 從官, Romanization: Jonggwan) is 1 star northwest of the Crown Prince.
Officer of Honour (Korean: 행신, Hanja: 幸臣, Romanization: Haengsin) is 1 star south of the Crown Prince, northeast of the Seats of the Five Emperors.
Officers of the Imperial Guard (Korean: 낭위, Hanja: 郎位, Romanization: Nangwi) consists of 15 stars, northeast of the Seats of the Five Emperors.
Captain of the Bodyguards (Korean: 낭장, Hanja: 郎將, Romanization: Nangjang) is 1 star northeast of the Officers of the Imperial Guard.
Royal Guards (Korean: 상진, Hanja: 常陳, Romanization: Sangjin) consists of 7 stars north of the Seats of the Five Emperors.
Emperor's Bodyguard (Korean: 호분, Hanja: 虎賁, Romanization: Hobun) is 1 star south of the Lower Step.
Three Steps (Korean: 삼대, Hanja: 三台, Romanization: Samdae) consists of 6 stars, the Three Steps start from the Administrative Center and line up in the Supreme Palace Enclosure.
Upper Step (Korean: 삼대(상대)(三台(上台)), Romanization: Samdae(Sangdae)) as a part of the Three Steps, consists of 2 stars.
Middle Step (Korean: 삼대(중대)(三台(中台)), Romanization: Samdae(Jungdae)) as a part of the Three Steps, consists of 2 stars.
Lower Step (Korean: 삼대(하대)(三台(下台)), Romanization: Samdae(Hadae)) as a part of the Three Steps, consists of 2 stars, north of the Supreme Palace West Wall.
Junior Officers (Korean: 소미, Hanja: 少微, Romanization: Somi) consists of 4 stars, lined up northwest of the Supreme Palace Enclosure.
Long Wall (Korean: 장원, Hanja: 長垣, Romanization: Jangwon) consists of 4 stars south of the Junior Officers.
Astronomical Observatory (Korean: 영대, Hanja: 靈臺, Romanization: Yeongdae) consists of 3 stars west of the Hall of Glory.
The Hall of Glory (Korean: 명당, Hanja: 明堂, Romanization: Myeongdang) consists of 3 stars outside the southwest corner of the Supreme Palace Enclosure.
Heavenly Market Enclosure (Korean: 천시, Hanja: 天市, Romanization: Cheonsi) is the market in the sky.
Emperor's Seat (Korean: 제좌, Hanja: 帝座, Romanization: Jejwa) is 1 star in the Heavenly Market Enclosure, west of the Astrologer.
Astrologer (Korean: 후, Hanja: 候, Romanization: Hu) is 1 star northeast of the Emperor's Seat.
Eunuch Official (Korean: 환자, Hanja: 宦者, Romanization: Hwanja) consists of 4 stars west of the Emperor's Seat.
Official for the Royal Clan (Korean: 종정, Hanja: 宗正, Romanization: Jongjeong) consists of 2 stars southeast of the Emperor's Seat.
Official of Religious Ceremonies (Korean: 종인, Hanja: 宗人, Romanization: Jongin) consists of 4 stars east of the Official for the Royal Clan.
Patriarchal Clan Stars (Korean: 종성, Hanja: 宗星, Romanization: Jongseong) consists of 2 stars north of the Official of Religious Ceremonies, east of the Astrologer.
Municipal Office (Korean: 시루, Hanja: 市樓, Romanization: Siru) consists of 6 stars in the market, above the Winnowing Basket.
Commodity Market (Korean: 거사, Hanja: 車肆, Romanization: Geosa) consists of 2 stars inside the right star of the Heavenly Market Enclosure gate.
Dipper for Solids (Korean: 곡, Hanja: 斛, Romanization: Gok) consists of 4 stars in the market, south of the Dipper for Liquids.
Dipper for Liquids (Korean: 두, Hanja: 斗, Romanization: Du) consists of 5 stars southwest of the Eunuch Official.
Jewel Market (Korean: 열사, Hanja: 列肆, Romanization: Yeolsa) consists of 2 stars in the Heavenly Market Enclosure, northwest of the Dipper for Solids.
Textile Ruler (Korean: 백도, Hanja: 帛度, Romanization: Baekdo) consists of 2 stars northeast of the Patriarchal Clan Stars.
Butcher's Shops (Korean: 도사, Hanja: 屠肆, Romanization: Dosa) consists of 2 stars north of the Textile Ruler.
Celestial Discipline (Korean: 천기, Hanja: 天紀, Romanization: Cheongi) consists of 9 stars east of the Coiled Thong.
Woman's Bed (Korean: 여상, Hanja: 女牀, Romanization: Yeosang) consists of 3 stars north of the Celestial Discipline.
Coiled Thong (Korean: 관색, Hanja: 貫索, Romanization: Gwansaek) consists of 9 stars in front of the Seven Excellencies.
Seven Excellencies (Korean: 칠공, Hanja: 七公, Romanization: Chilgong) consists of 7 stars east of the Twinkling Indicator.
Horn (Korean: 각, Hanja: 角, Romanization: Gak) consists of 2 stars.
Flat Road (Korean: 평도, Hanja: 平道, Romanization: Pyeongdo) consists of 2 stars beside the Left Horn (α Vir) and the Right Horn (ζ Vir).
Recommending Virtuous Men (Korean: 진현, Hanja: 進賢, Romanization: Jinhyeon) is 1 star west of the Flat Road.
Celestial Farmland (Korean: 천전, Hanja: 天田, Romanization: Cheonjeon) consists of 2 stars north of the Right Horn (ζ Vir).
Tripod of the Zhou (Korean: 주정, Hanja: 周鼎, Romanization: Jujeong) consists of 3 stars west of the Right Conductor, above the Horn Mansion.
Celestial Gate (Korean: 천문, Hanja: 天門, Romanization: Cheonmun) consists of 2 stars south of the Left Horn (α Vir), north of the Judging Stars.
Judging Stars (Korean: 평, Hanja: 平, Romanization: Pyeong) consists of 2 stars north of the Arsenal.
Arsenal (Korean: 고루, Hanja: 庫樓, Romanization: Goru) consists of 10 stars south of the Horn Mansion.
Pillars (Korean: 주, Hanja: 柱, Romanization: Ju) consists of 15 stars.
Railings (Korean: 형, Hanja: 衡, Romanization: Hyeong) consists of 4 stars.
Southern Gate (Korean: 남문, Hanja: 南門, Romanization: Nammun) consists of 2 stars south of the Arsenal.
Neck (Korean: 항, Hanja: 亢, Romanization: Hang) consists of 4 stars.
Great Horn (Korean: 대각, Hanja: 大角, Romanization: Daegak) is 1 star between the left and right Conductors.
Left Conductor (Korean: 섭제, Hanja: 攝提, Romanization: Saptje) consists of 3 stars. The left and right Conductors sandwiching the Great Horn
Right Conductor (Korean: 섭제, Hanja: 攝提, Romanization: Saptje) consists of 3 stars, directly south of the handle of the Northern Dipper. The left and right Conductors sandwiching the Great Horn
Executions (Korean: 절위, Hanja: 折威, Romanization: Jeolwi) consists of 7 stars south of the Neck Mansion.
Trials (Korean: 돈완, Hanja: 頓頑, Romanization: Donwan) consists of 2 stars southeast of the Executions.
Gate of Yang (Korean: 양문, Hanja: 陽門, Romanization: Yangmun) consists of 2 stars north of the Arsenal.
Root (Korean: 저, Hanja: 氐, Romanization: Jeo) consists of 4 stars.
Celestial Lance (Korean: 경하, Hanja: 梗河, Romanization: Gyeongha) consists of 3 stars north of the Great Horn, north of the Mattress of the Emperor.
Twinkling Indicator (Korean: 초요, Hanja: 招搖, Romanization: Choyo) is 1 star north of the Celestial Lance.
Mattress of the Emperor (Korean: 제석, Hanja: 帝席, Romanization: Jeseok) consists of 3 stars east of the Great Horn.
Boats and Lake (Korean: 항지, Hanja: 亢池, Romanization: Hangji) consists of 6 stars north of the Neck Mansion.
Celestial Milk (Korean: 천유, Hanja: 天乳, Romanization: Cheonyu) is 1 star northeast of the Root Mansion.
Battle Chariots (Korean: 진거, Hanja: 陣車, Romanization: Jingeo) consists of 3 stars south of the Root Mansion.
Celestial Spokes (Korean: 천복, Hanja: 天輻, Romanization: Cheonbok) consists of 2 stars, diagonally lined west of the Room Mansion.
Imperial Guards (Korean: 기관, Hanja: 騎官, Romanization: Gigwan) consists of 27 stars south of the Root Mansion.
Chariots and Cavalry (Korean: 거기, Hanja: 車騎, Romanization: Geogi) consists of 3 stars south of the Imperial Guards.
Chariots and Cavalry General (Korean: 기진장군, Hanja: 騎陣將軍, Romanization: Gijinjanggun) is 1 star at the eastern end of the Imperial Guards.
Room (Korean: 방, Hanja: 房, Romanization: Bang) consists of 4 stars.
Lock (Korean: 구검, Hanja: 鈎鈐, Romanization: Gugeom) consists of 2 stars north of the Room Mansion.
Door Bolt (Korean: 건폐, Hanja: 鍵閉, Romanization: Geonpye) is 1 star northeast of the Room Mansion.
Punishment (Korean: 벌, Hanja: 罰, Romanization: Beol) consists of 3 stars west of the Eastern Door, lined north-south.
Eastern Door (Korean: 동함, Hanja: 東咸, Romanization: Dongham) consists of 4 stars northeast of the Room Mansion.
Western Door (Korean: 서함, Hanja: 西咸, Romanization: Seoham) consists of 4 stars north of the Room Mansion.
Solar Star (Korean: 일, Hanja: 日, Romanization: Il) is 1 star in the middle path of the Room Mansion.
Retinue (Korean: 종관, Hanja: 從官, Romanization: Jonggwan) consists of 2 stars south of the Room Mansion stars.
Heart (Korean: 심, Hanja: 心, Romanization: Sim) consists of 3 stars.
Group of Soldiers (Korean: 적졸, Hanja: 積卒, Romanization: Jeokjol) consists of 12 stars south of the Room Mansion.
Tail (Korean: 미, Hanja: 尾, Romanization: Mi) consists of 9 stars.
Changing Room (Korean: 신궁, Hanja: 神宮, Romanization: Singung) is 1 star beside the second star of the Tail Mansion (μ1 Sco).
Celestial River (Korean: 천강, Hanja: 天江, Romanization: Cheongang) consists of 4 stars north of the Tail Mansion.
Fu Yue (Korean: 부열, Hanja: 傅說, Romanization: Buyeol) is 1 star behind the Tail Mansion.
Fish (Korean: 어, Hanja: 魚, Romanization: Eo) is 1 star in the milky way behind the Tail Mansion.
Tortoise (Korean: 귀, Hanja: 龜, Romanization: Gwi) consists of 5 stars south of the Tail Mansion.
Winnowing Basket (Korean: 기, Hanja: 箕, Romanization: Gi) consists of 4 stars.
Chaff (Korean: 강, Hanja: 糠, Romanization: Gang) is 1 star in front of the Winnowing Basket Mansion's tongue, northwest of the Pestle.
Pestle (Korean: 외저, Hanja: 外杵, Romanization: Oejeo) consists of 3 stars south of the Winnowing Basket Mansion.
Dipper (Korean: 남두, Hanja: 南斗, Romanization: Namdu) or Southern Dipper, consists of 6 stars.
Establishment Stars (Korean: 건성, Hanja: 建星, Romanization: Geonseong) consists of 6 stars north of the Southern Dipper.
Market Officer (Korean: 천변, Hanja: 天弁, Romanization: Cheonbyeon) consists of 9 stars north of the Establishment Stars.
Celestial Keyhole (Korean: 천약, Hanja: 天鑰, Romanization: Cheonyak) consists of 8 stars west of the second star of the Southern Dipper's handle.
Peasant (Korean: 농장인, Hanja: 農丈人, Romanization: Nongjangin) is 1 star southwest of the Southern Dipper.
Dog (Korean: 구, Hanja: 狗, Romanization: Gu) consists of 2 stars.
Celestial Cock (Korean: 천계, Hanja: 天雞, Romanization: Cheongye) consists of 2 stars north of the Territory of Dog, west of the Ox.
Territory of Dog (Korean: 구국, Hanja: 狗國, Romanization: Guguk) consists of 4 stars southeast of the Establishment Stars.
River Turtle (Korean: 별, Hanja: 鱉, Romanization: Byeol) consists of 14 stars south of the Dipper.
Celestial Spring (Korean: 천연, Hanja: 天淵, Romanization: Cheonyeon) consists of 10 stars southeast of the River Turtle, between the River Turtle and the Nine Water Wells.
Ox (Korean: 견우, Hanja: 牽牛, Romanization: Gyeonu) consists of 6 stars.
Celestial Drumstick (Korean: 천부, Hanja: 天桴, Romanization: Cheonbu) consists of 4 stars lined horizontally north of the Ox.
Drum at the River (Korean: 하고, Hanja: 河鼓, Romanization: Hago) consists of 3 stars northwest of the Ox.
Right Flag (Korean: 우기, Hanja: 右旗, Romanization: Ugi) consists of 9 stars north of the Ox, southwest of the Drum at the River.
Left Flag (Korean: 좌기, Hanja: 左旗, Romanization: Jwagi) consists of 9 stars beside the left of the Drum at the River.
Clepsydra Terrace (Korean: 점대, Hanja: 漸臺, Romanization: Jeomdae) consists of 4 stars southeast of the Weaving Girl.
Imperial Passageway (Korean: 연도, Hanja: 輦道, Romanization: Yeondo) consists of 5 stars northeast of the Clepsydra Terrace.
Weaving Girl (Korean: 직녀, Hanja: 織女, Romanization: Jingnyeon) consists of 3 stars at the eastern end of the Celestial Discipline, northeast of the Heavenly Market Enclosure.
Network of Dykes (Korean: 나언, Hanja: 羅堰, Romanization: Naeon) consists of 3 stars east of the Ox.
Celestial Farmland (Korean: 천전, Hanja: 天田, Romanization: Cheonjeon) consists of 9 stars south of the Ox.
Nine Water Wells (Korean: 구감, Hanja: 九坎, Romanization: Gugam) consists of 9 stars south of the Ox.
Girl (Korean: 수녀, Hanja: 須女, Romanization: Sunyeo) consists of 4 stars.
Pearls on Ladies' Wear (Korean: 이주, Hanja: 離珠, Romanization: Iju) consists of 5 stars north of the Girl.
Rotten Gourd (Korean: 패고, Hanja: 敗苽, Romanization: Paego) consists of 5 stars beside the Good Gourd.
Good Gourd (Korean: 고, Hanja: 苽, Romanization: Go) consists of 5 stars north of the Pearls on Ladies' Wear.
Celestial Ford (Korean: 천진, Hanja: 天津, Romanization: Cheonjin) consists of 9 stars in the milky way north of the Good Gourd.
Xi Zhong (Korean: 해중, Hanja: 奚仲, Romanization: Haejung) consists of 4 stars, shaped like the Railings constellation, north of the Celestial Ford.
Basket for Mulberry Leaves (Korean: 부광, Hanja: 扶筐, Romanization: Bugwang) consists of 7 stars north of the Celestial Ford.
Twelve States (Korean: 십이국, Hanja: 十二國, Romanization: Sibiguk) consists of 16 stars.
Yue State (Korean: 월, Hanja: 越, Romanization: Wol) is 1 star north of Zheng State.
Zheng State (Korean: 정, Hanja: 鄭, Romanization: Jeong) is 1 star north of Zhao State.
Zhao State (Korean: 조, Hanja: 趙, Romanization: Jo) consists of 2 stars north of Qi State.
Qi State (Korean: 제, Hanja: 齊, Romanization: Je) is 1 star east of the Nine Water Wells.
Zhou State (Korean: 주, Hanja: 周, Romanization: Ju) consists of 2 stars east of Yue State.
Qin State (Korean: 진, Hanja: 秦, Romanization: Jin) consists of 2 stars, lined north-south southeast of Zhou.
Dai State (Korean: 대, Hanja: 代, Romanization: Dae) consists of 2 stars south of Qin State.
Jin State (Korean: 진, Hanja: 晉, Romanization: Jin) is 1 star west of Dai State.
Han State (Korean: 한, Hanja: 韓, Romanization: Han) is 1 star north of Jin State.
Wei State (Korean: 위, Hanja: 魏, Romanization: Wi) is 1 star north of Han State.
Chu State (Korean: 초, Hanja: 楚, Romanization: Cho) is 1 star west of Wei State.
Yan State (Korean: 연, Hanja: 燕, Romanization: Yeon) is 1 star south of Chu State.
Emptiness (Korean: 허, Hanja: 虛, Romanization: Heo) consists of 2 stars.
Deified Judge of Life (Korean: 사명, Hanja: 司命, Romanization: Samyeong) consists of 2 stars north of the Emptiness.
Deified Judge of Rank (Korean: 사록, Hanja: 司祿, Romanization: Sarok) consists of 2 stars north of the Deified Judge of Life.
Deified Judge of Disaster and Good Fortune (Korean: 사위, Hanja: 司危, Romanization: Sawi) consists of 2 stars north of the Deified Judge of Rank.
Deified Judge of Right and Wrong (Korean: 사비, Hanja: 司非, Romanization: Sabi) consists of 2 stars north of the Deified Judge of Disaster and Good Fortune.
Crying (Korean: 곡, Hanja: 哭, Romanization: Gok) consists of 2 stars south of the Emptiness.
Weeping (Korean: 읍, Hanja: 泣, Romanization: Eup) consists of 2 stars east of the Crying.
Celestial Ramparts (Korean: 천루성, Hanja: 天壘城, Romanization: Cheolluseong) consists of 12 stars south of the Crying and Weeping.
Decayed Mortar (Korean: 패구, Hanja: 敗臼, Romanization: Paegu) consists of 4 stars south of the Emptiness and Rooftop.
Jade Ornament on Ladies' Wear (Korean: 이유, Hanja: 離瑜, Romanization: Iyu) consists of 3 stars, lined north-south southeast of Qin State and Dai State.
Rooftop (Korean: 위, Hanja: 危, Romanization: Wi) consists of 3 stars southeast of the Celestial Ford.
Tomb (Korean: 분묘, Hanja: 墳墓, Romanization: Bunmyo) consists of 4 stars south of the Rooftop.
Humans Stars (Korean: 인성, Hanja: 人星, Romanization: Inseong) consists of 5 stars southeast of the Big Yard for Chariots, north of the Emptiness.
Pestle (Korean: 내저, Hanja: 內杵, Romanization: Naejeo) consists of 3 stars east of the Humans Stars, beside the milky way.
Mortar (Korean: 구, Hanja: 臼, Romanization: Gu) consists of 4 stars east of the Humans Stars, under the Pestle stars.
Big Yard for Chariots (Korean: 차부, Hanja: 車府, Romanization: Chabu) consists of 7 stars east of the Celestial Ford, near the milky way, lined east-west.
Zaofu (Korean: 조부, Hanja: 造父, Romanization: Jobu) consists of 5 stars south of the Celestial Hook, in the milky way.
Celestial Hook (Korean: 구, Hanja: 鈎, Romanization: Gu) consists of 9 stars north of Zaofu.
Roofing (Korean: 개옥, Hanja: 蓋屋, Romanization: Gaeok) consists of 2 stars south of the Rooftop.
Temple (Korean: 허량, Hanja: 虛梁, Romanization: Heoryang) consists of 4 stars south of the Rooftop.
Celestial Money (Korean: 천전, Hanja: 天錢, Romanization: Cheonjeon) consists of 10 stars northwest of the North Gate of the Military Camp.
Encampment (Korean: 실, Hanja: 室, Romanization: Sil) consists of 2 stars.
Resting Palace (Korean: 이궁, Hanja: 離宮, Romanization: Igung) consists of 6 stars.
Flying Serpent (Korean: 등사, Hanja: 騰蛇, Romanization: Deungsa) consists of 22 stars north of the Encampment.
Thunder and Lightning (Korean: 뇌전, Hanja: 雷電, Romanization: Noejeon) consists of 6 stars southwest of the Encampment.
Official for Materials Supply (Korean: 토공리, Hanja: 土公吏, Romanization: Togongni) consists of 2 stars southwest of the Encampment.
Palace Guard (Korean: 우림군, Hanja: 羽林軍, Romanization: Urimgun) consists of 45 stars south of the Encampment, south of the Line of Ramparts.
Line of Ramparts (Korean: 누벽진, Hanja: 壘壁陣, Romanization: Nubyeokjin) consists of 12 stars south of the Encampment and Wall, north of the Palace Guard.
Axe (Korean: 부월, Hanja: 鈇鉞, Romanization: Buwol) consists of 3 stars east of the North Gate of the Military Camp.
North Gate of the Military Camp (Korean: 북락사문, Hanja: 北落師門, Romanization: Bungnaksamun) is 1 star southwest of the Palace Guard.
Materials for Making Tents (Korean: 천강, Hanja: 天綱, Romanization: Cheongang) is 1 star southwest of the North Gate of the Military Camp.
Net for Catching Birds (Korean: 팔괴, Hanja: 八魁, Romanization: Palgwae) consists of 9 stars southeast of the North Gate of the Military Camp.
Wall (Korean: 동벽, Hanja: 東壁, Romanization: Dongbyeok) consists of 2 stars.
Celestial Stable (Korean: 천구, Hanja: 天厩, Romanization: Cheongu) consists of 10 stars north of the Wall, near Wang Liang.
Official for Earthworks and Buildings (Korean: 토공, Hanja: 土公, Romanization: Togong) consists of 2 stars south of the Wall.
Thunderbolt (Korean: 벽력, Hanja: 霹靂, Romanization: Byeongnyeok) consists of 5 stars southwest of the Official for Earthworks and Buildings, north of the Cloud and Rain.
Cloud and Rain (Korean: 운우, Hanja: 雲雨, Romanization: Unu) consists of 4 stars south of the Thunderbolt, east of the Thunder and Lightning.
Sickle (Korean: 부질, Hanja: 鈇鑕, Romanization: Bujil) consists of 5 stars southwest of the Square Celestial Granary.
Legs (Korean: 규, Hanja: 奎, Romanization: Gyu) consists of 16 stars.
Auxiliary Road (Korean: 부로, Hanja: 附路, Romanization: Buro) is 1 star beside the south of the Flying Corridor, east of Wang Liang.
Flying Corridor (Korean: 각도, Hanja: 閣道, Romanization: Gakdo) consists of 6 stars in front of Wang Liang.
Wang Liang (Korean: 왕량, Hanja: 王良, Romanization: Wangnyang) consists of 5 stars in the river north of the Legs.
Whip (Korean: 책, Hanja: 策, Romanization: Chaek) is 1 star north of Wang Liang.
Southern Military Gate (Korean: 군남문, Hanja: 軍南門, Romanization: Gunnam Mun) is 1 star southwest of the Great General of Heaven.
Outer Fence (Korean: 외병, Hanja: 外屏, Romanization: Oebyeong) consists of 7 stars south of the Legs.
Celestial Pigsty (Korean: 천혼, Hanja: 天溷, Romanization: Cheonhon) consists of 7 stars south of the Outer Screen.
Master of Constructions (Korean: 토사공, Hanja: 司空, Romanization: Sagong) is 1 star south of the Legs.
Bond (Korean: 루, Hanja: 婁, Romanization: Ru) consists of 3 stars.
Great General of Heaven (Korean: 천장군, Hanja: 天將軍, Romanization: Cheonganggun) consists of 11 stars north of the Bond.
Official in Charge of Pasturing (Korean: 우경, Hanja: 右更, Romanization: Ugyeong) consists of 5 stars west of the Bond.
Official in Charge of the Forest (Korean: 좌경, Hanja: 左更, Romanization: Jwagyeong) consists of 5 stars east of the Bond.
Square Celestial Granary (Korean: 천창, Hanja: 天倉, Romanization: Cheonchang) consists of 6 stars south of the Bond.
Ricks of Grain (Korean: 천유, Hanja: 天庾, Romanization: Cheonyu) consists of 3 stars southeast of the Square Celestial Granary.
Stomach (Korean: 위, Hanja: 胃, Romanization: Wi) consists of 3 stars.
Mausoleum (Korean: 대릉, Hanja: 大陵, Romanization: Daereung) consists of 8 stars north of the Stomach.
Heap of Corpses (Korean: 적시, Hanja: 積尸, Romanization: Jeoksi) is 1 star in the Mausoleum.
Celestial Boat (Korean: 천선, Hanja: 天船, Romanization: Cheonseon) consists of 9 stars north of the Mausoleum, in the milky way.
Stored water (Korean: 적수, Hanja: 積水, Romanization: Jeoksu) is 1 star in the Celestial Boat.
Circular Celestial Granary (Korean: 천균, Hanja: 天囷, Romanization: Cheongyun) consists of 13 stars south of the Stomach, shaped like a character "乙".
Celestial Foodstuff (Korean: 천름, Hanja: 天廩, Romanization: Cheolleum) consists of 4 stars south of the Hairy Head.
Hairy Head (Korean: 묘, Hanja: 昴, Romanization: Myo) consists of 7 stars.
Celestial Concave (Korean: 천아, Hanja: 天阿, Romanization: Cheon-a) is 1 star northwest of the Hairy Head.
Rolled Tongue (Korean: 권설, Hanja: 卷舌, Romanization: Gwonseol) consists of 6 stars north of the Hairy Head.
Celestial Slander (Korean: 천참, Hanja: 天讒, Romanization: Cheoncham) is 1 star in the Rolled Tongue.
Whetstone (Korean: 려석, Hanja: 礪石, Romanization: Ryeoseok) consists of 4 stars southeast of the Rolled Tongue.
Lunar Star (Korean: 월, Hanja: 月, Romanization: Wol) is 1 star east of the Hairy Head.
Celestial Yin Force (Korean: 천음, Hanja: 天陰, Romanization: Cheon-eum) consists of 5 stars west of the Net's handle.
Hay (Korean: 추고, Hanja: 芻藁, Romanization: Chugo) consists of 6 stars west of the Celestial Meadows.
Celestial Meadows (Korean: 천원, Hanja: 天苑, Romanization: Cheon-won) consists of 16 stars south of the Net.
Net (Korean: 필, Hanja: 畢, Romanization: Pil) consists of 8 stars.
Whisper (Korean: 부이, Hanja: 附耳, Romanization: Bui) is 1 star under the Net.
Celestial Street (Korean: 천가, Hanja: 天街, Romanization: Cheonga) consists of 2 stars between the Hairy Head and Net, near the east of the Lunar Star.
Feudal Kings (Korean: 제왕, Hanja: 諸王, Romanization: Jewang) consists of 6 stars south of the Five Chariots.
Celestial High Terrace (Korean: 천고, Hanja: 天高, Romanization: Cheongo) consists of 4 stars west of the Banner of Three Stars, near the Net.
Five Chariots (Korean: 오거, Hanja: 五車, Romanization: Ogeo) consists of 5 stars northeast of the Net.
Pillars (Korean: 주, Hanja: 柱, Romanization: Ju) consists of 9 stars northeast of the Net.
Celestial Pier (Korean: 천황, Hanja: 天潢, Romanization: Cheonhwang) consists of 5 stars in the Five Chariots.
Pool of Harmony (Korean: 함지, Hanja: 咸池, Romanization: Hamji) consists of 3 stars northwest of the Celestial Pier.
Celestial Pass (Korean: 천관, Hanja: 天關, Romanization: Cheongwan) is 1 star south of the Five Chariots, northwest of the Three Stars.
Celestial Tally (Korean: 천절, Hanja: 天節, Romanization: Cheonjeol) consists of 8 stars south of the Net and Whisper.
Interpreters of Nine Dialects (Korean: 구주수구, Hanja: 九州殊口, Romanization: Gujusugu) consists of 9 stars under the Celestial Tally.
Banner of Three Stars (Korean: 삼기, Hanja: 參旗, Romanization: Samgi) consists of 9 stars west of the Three Stars.
Imperial Military Flag (Korean: 구유, Hanja: 九斿, Romanization: Guyu) consists of 9 stars southwest of the Jade Well.
Celestial Orchard (Korean: 천원, Hanja: 天園, Romanization: Cheon-won) consists of 13 stars south of the Celestial Meadows.
Turtle Beak (Korean: 자, Hanja: 觜, Romanization: Ja) consists of 3 stars.
Deity in Charge of Monsters (Korean: 사괴, Hanja: 司恠, Romanization: Sagwae) consists of 4 stars in front of the Well and the Battle Axe.
Seat Flags (Korean: 좌기, Hanja: 坐旗, Romanization: Jwagi) consists of 9 stars northeast of the Deity in Charge of Monsters.
Three Stars (Korean: 삼, Hanja: 參, Romanization: Sam) consists of 7 stars.
Send Armed Forces To Suppress (Korean: 벌, Hanja: 伐, Romanization: Beol) consists of 3 small stars in the center of the Three Stars.
Jade Well (Korean: 옥정, Hanja: 玉井, Romanization: Okjeong) consists of 4 stars under the left foot of the Three Stars (β Ori).
Military Well (Korean: 군정, Hanja: 軍井, Romanization: Gunjeong) consists of 4 stars southeast of the Jade Well.
Screen (Korean: 병, Hanja: 屏, Romanization: Byeong) consists of 2 stars south of the Jade Well.
Toilet (Korean: 측, Hanja: 廁, Romanization: Cheuk) consists of 4 stars east of the Screen.
Excrement (Korean: 천시, Hanja: 天矢, Romanization: Cheonsi) is 1 star south of the Toilet.
Well (Korean: 동정, Hanja: 東井, Romanization: Dongjeong) or Eastern Well, consists of 8 stars.
Battle Axe (Korean: 월, Hanja: 鉞, Romanization: Wol) is 1 star attached to the front of the Well Mansion.
Celestial Wine Cup (Korean: 천준, Hanja: 天樽, Romanization: Cheonjun) consists of 3 stars north of the Well, south of the Five Feudal Kings.
Five Feudal Kings (Korean: 오제후, Hanja: 五諸侯, Romanization: Ojehu) consists of 5 stars north of the Eastern Well, near the North River.
North River (Korean: 북하, Hanja: 北河, Romanization: Bukha) consists of 3 stars.
South River (Korean: 남하, Hanja: 南河, Romanization: Namha) consists of 3 stars northeast of the Three Stars.
Accumulated water (Korean: 적수, Hanja: 積水, Romanization: Jeoksu) is 1 star northwest of the North River.
Pile of Firewood (Korean: 적신, Hanja: 積薪, Romanization: Jeoksin) is 1 star southeast of the Accumulated Water.
Water Level (Korean: 수위, Hanja: 水位, Romanization: Suwi) consists of 4 stars, lined north-south east of the Eastern Well.
Four Channels (Korean: 사독, Hanja: 四瀆, Romanization: Sadok) consists of 4 stars east of the southern lined four stars of the Eastern Well.
Official for Irrigation (Korean: 수부, Hanja: 水府, Romanization: Subu) consists of 4 stars southwest of the Eastern Well.
Palace Gate (Korean: 궐구, Hanja: 闕丘, Romanization: Gwolgu) consists of 2 stars south of the South River.
Market for Soldiers (Korean: 군시, Hanja: 軍市, Romanization: Gunsi) consists of 13 stars southeast of the Three Stars.
Wild Cockerel (Korean: 야계, Hanja: 野雞, Romanization: Yagye) is 1 star in the Market for Soldiers.
Wolf (Korean: 낭성, Hanja: 狼星, Romanization: Nangseong) or Celestial Wolf is 1 star southeast of the Three Stars.
Bow and Arrow (Korean: 호, Hanja: 弧, Romanization: Ho) consists of 9 stars southeast of the Wolf.
Grandfather (Korean: 장인, Hanja: 丈人, Romanization: Jangin) consists of 2 stars southwest of the Market for Soldiers.
Son (Korean: 자, Hanja: 子, Romanization: Ja) consists of 2 stars east of the Grandfather.
Grandson (Korean: 손, Hanja: 孫, Romanization: Son) consists of 2 stars east of the Son.
Old Man (Korean: 노인, Hanja: 老人, Romanization: Noin) is 1 star south of the Bow and Arrow.
Ghosts (Korean: 귀, Hanja: 鬼, Romanization: Gwi) consists of 4 stars.
Cumulative Corpse Gas (Korean: 적시, Hanja: 積尸, Romanization: Jeoksi) is 1 star in the center of the Ghosts Mansion.
Beacon Fire (Korean: 관, Hanja: 爟, Romanization: Gwan) consists of 4 stars west of the tail of Xuanyuan, northwest of the Ghosts.
Outer Kitchen (Korean: 외주, Hanja: 外厨, Romanization: Oeju) consists of 6 stars south of the Willow.
Celestial Dog (Korean: 천구, Hanja: 天狗, Romanization: Cheongu) consists of 7 stars northeast of the Wolf.
Celestial Earth God's Temple (Korean: 천사, Hanja: 天社, Romanization: Cheonsa) consists of 6 stars south of the Bow and Arrow.
Willow (Korean: 유, Hanja: 柳, Romanization: Yu) consists of 8 stars.
Banner of Wine Shop (Korean: 주기, Hanja: 酒旗, Romanization: Jugi) consists of 3 stars south of the right tip of Xuanyuan.
Star (Korean: 성, Hanja: 星, Romanization: Seong) consists of 7 stars.
Xuanyuan (Korean: 헌원, Hanja: 軒轅, Romanization: Heon-won) consists of 17 stars north of the Star mansion.
High Judge (Korean: 내평, Hanja: 內平, Romanization: Naepyeong) consists of 4 stars south of the Middle Step.
Celestial Premier (Korean: 천상, Hanja: 天相, Romanization: Cheonsang) consists of 3 stars east of the Star mansion, south of the Banner of Wine Shop.
Celestial Cereals (Korean: 직, Hanja: 稷, Romanization: Jik) consists of 5 stars south of the Star mansion.
Extended Net (Korean: 장, Hanja: 張, Romanization: Jang) consists of 6 stars.
Celestial Temple (Korean: 천묘, Hanja: 天廟, Romanization: Cheonmyo) consists of 14 stars south of the Extended Net.
Wings (Korean: 익, Hanja: 翼, Romanization: Ik) consists of 22 stars.
Dong'ou (Korean: 동구, Hanja: 東甌, Romanization: Donggu) consists of 5 stars south of the Wings.
Chariot (Korean: 진, Hanja: 軫, Romanization: Jin) consists of 4 stars.
Left linchpin (Korean: 좌할, Hanja: 左轄, Romanization: Jwahal) consists of 1 star.
Right linchpin (Korean: 우할, Hanja: 右轄, Romanization: Uhal) consists of 1 star.
Changsha (Korean: 장사, Hanja: 長沙, Romanization: Jangsa) is 1 star in the Chariot Mansion.
Military Gate (Korean: 군문, Hanja: 軍門, Romanization: Gunmun) consists of 2 stars west of the Green Hill, north of the Master of Constructions.
Master of Constructions (Korean: 토사공, Hanja: 土司空, Romanization: Tosagong) consists of 4 stars south of the Military Gate, west of the Green Hill.
Green Hill (Korean: 청구, Hanja: 青丘, Romanization: Cheonggu) consists of 7 stars southeast of the Chariot.
House for Musical Instruments (Korean: 기부, Hanja: 器府, Romanization: Gibu) consists of 32 stars south of the Chariot.
This sky culture was contributed by Stellarium user Jeong, Tae-Min
Lyu Haocheng [email protected] re-identified the star map and improved the description.
The identification process was very difficult and the results are not unique. If you have any questions about the identification or any other content, even very small details, please feel free to contact me: [email protected].
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