ANCIENT SUNDIAL RETURNS BACK HOME

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An ancient sundial made during King Sejong's reign in the early Joseon Dynasty has finally returned to Korea after being smuggled out of the country. The Angbuilgu is known for its exceptional precision and artistry, more so than other ancient sundials remaining in Korea.

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This is Angbuilgu, Joseon's first clock made for the general public. The name means a clock that tells time by looking at the shadow cast on a round open cauldron. A pointer attached toward the North Pole indicates time, date, sunset time and even points on the compass through the needle's shadow cast on the markings. Angbuilgu is touted as the pinnacle of Joseon-era science and technology that is almost as precise as today's mechanisms. Seasonal markings and lines were etched on the surface with silver threads driven into the indentations. The four-legged support is decorated with dragon and turtle head carvings, illustrating its exceptional artistry.

[Soundbite] LEE YONG-SAM(PROF. EMERITUS, DEPT. OF ASTRONOMY & SPACE SCIENCE, CHUNGBUK NAT'L UNIV.) : "It's scientifically exquisite, but its outward appearance is also exceptionally artistic."

This precious antique sundial, capable of telling the most accurate time under the Seoul skies, has been returned to Korea. The Korean government bought the relic at an American auction earlier this year and brought it back to Korea. However, it hasn't been confirmed how or when the sundial was taken out of the country.

[Soundbite] KIM DONG-HYEON(OVERSEAS KOREAN CULTURAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION) : "It was kept by an individual, who said he bought it from an American antique market. Before that, we believe it was kept by another individual for a long time."

Seven other antique sundials of similar sizes made with similar materials currently remain in Korea, two of which are national treasures. However, none of them are earlier mechanisms made during King Sejong's reign. Judging from the latitude marking, the recovered sundial is believed to have been made between the 18th and early 19th centuries. Angbuilgu will be on display at the National Palace Museum of Korea from Wednesday through December 20th.