Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory

Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO), operated by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), was established in 1996 and houses Korea’s largest optical instrument: a 1.8-metre reflecting telescope. Its observing systems include the Bohyunsan Optical Echelle Spectrograph (BOES), the KASI Near-Infrared Camera System (KASINICS), and a 4K CCD camera; BOAO also operates the Solar Flare Telescope, a six-telescope programme that monitors solar magnetic-field, chromosphere and photosphere changes for space-weather research. KASI says the observatory operates these instruments during observing seasons except for a July–August maintenance period, calls for observation proposals in May and October, and supports about 50 KASI and external observing programmes each year. This is a working research observatory rather than a general walk-in attraction; access is governed by KASI observation programmes and the observatory’s current guidance.