South Korea is a hub of innovation and technology, known for its advancements in various fields ranging from electronics to biotechnology. While the world recognizes South Korea for prominent brands like Samsung and LG, it’s important to also note the inventions of ancient times that made the country stand out.

Here are some notable inventions of ancient Korea that you should know:

1. Ondol

This is a traditional Korean house heating system where heat is passed is transferred from wood smoke to the underside of houses to keep it warm after which the smoke leaves through a vertical chimney at the other side of the house

This invention was discovered in the ruins of an archaeological site in North Korea. According to reports, the site was Neolithic around 5000 BC. Further evidence of the ondol usage during the time of the three kingdoms also cemented this claim.

It is important to know that the climate was quite bitter cold during that period and therefore people had to construct Ondols in their homes to fight against the cold weather. Also, because locals had to sit, sleep, and eat on the floor with lowed tables, it made life easier during that period.

2. Cheugugi

This is the first ever standardized rain gauge in history. It was invented by famous mechanical engineer and scientist; Jang Yeong-sil, during the reign of King Sejong the Great.

In the early Joseon dynasty, rainfall was measured and monitored for agriculture, however, it wasn’t always accurate as a result of the amount absorbed by the ground, therefore the Cheugugi was created to conserve every drop of rainfall for the most accurate reading.

The cheugugi is basically a rainwater container made of iron and rainfall was measured by dipping a ruler and measuring by poon (0.303 inches). It was measured when the rain began and stopped.

Due to the success of this invention, King Sejong ordered that all his governors install a cheugugi in their provincial office and record the rainfall. Now, several cheugugi from the 15th century and beyond are still in existence at museums and research centers to remind Koreans of their interesting past.

3. Movable metal type printing

While printing is definitely a big deal in the advancement of civilization, most accolades on it are usually directed toward Gutenberg and the Chinese. However, Korea was the first nation in the world to print with a movable metal type of printing in 1234. I know, an interesting year right?

This happened during the Goryeo dynasty period in Korea and the first books printed were ritual books called Sangjeong. They were compiled by famous politician and inventor, Ch’oe Yun-ui.

While these books are long gone in history, the oldest book that was printed in this Korean style is called the Jikji which was printed in 1377. It is a document on the teachings of influential Buddhist priests of that time and is recognized by UNESCO as the world’s oldest metalloid type.

You can get a glimpse of this time traveler at the Asian reading room in the Library of Congress in Washington.

4. Cheomseongdae

If you love stargazing and waiting for your love in the stars, this next invention is more your speed. The Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomy observatory in the world.

It was built in the capital of the kingdom of Silla known then as Seoraboel and in present-day Gyeongju during the reign of Queen Seondeok in the 7th century.

Due to its age and historical significance, it is currently a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. Turtle Ship

The turtle ship or geobukseon was the first armored warship created in the world constructed during the Joseon Dynasty in 1412 to 1415. It was the brainchild of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and was a major weapon used during the Imjin War fought against the Japanese.

These ships were covered in iron, making it impossible for enemy soldiers to board, and it's famous for being able to withstand lots of damage, protecting the ship and its crew from losing their lives while on duty.

There are currently models of this amazing piece of naval warfare at the War Memorial Museum in Korea, so you can put it on your list to be a major part of Korean history.

When faced with challenges, these amazing inventions were created by these personalities in a bid of service to their nation. While technology has definitely surpassed them, the fact that they gave modern inventors a blueprint to start with is amazing.