Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju is the oldest astronomical observatory in the world and a representative scientific cultural heritage in Korea. However, in the mid-twentieth century, suspicions were raised that Cheomseongdae might not be an observatory. As these suspicions piled up, a heated debate began about Cheomseongdae, which is still ongoing. I will examine the situation of the Cheomseongdae debate based on recent research results. First, some researchers interpreted the name Cheomseongdae as an astronomical observatory. However, other researchers interpreted the term “Chumseong[瞻星]” and the word “Dae[臺]” as symbolic. Second, many researchers view the shape of Cheomseongdae as a well since the shape of the top of Cheomseongdae resembles the letter “jeong(井),” which means a well. Third, there were conflicting interpretations of the unique structure of Cheomseongdae. Some said that it could not be seen as an observatory because it was inconvenient to climb to the top. On the contrary, some viewed it as an observatory because one could go up to the top of Cheomseongdae.
The Cheomseongdae debate is unlikely to end easily. In order to end the Cheomseongdae debate, it is necessary to accurately distinguish between the factual contents of Cheomseongdae and the imagination felt after seeing it. And historical data should not be interpreted based on personal speculation or improper grounds.