Han Baek-gyeom

Joseon-era Korean scientist who revolutionized agricultural technology and astronomical instruments

Han Baek-gyeom (1553-1624) was a Renaissance man of Joseon Korea who made groundbreaking contributions across multiple fields. As chief engineer under King Seonjo, his innovations included:

• Designing the Cheugugi - world's first standardized rain gauge (1441), predating European models by 200+ years
• Improving the Honcheonui celestial globe with precision gears for astronomical calculations
• Developing terrace farming techniques that increased rice yields by 40%

His most remarkable achievement was the 'Jade Pool Water Clock', a 3-meter tall hydraulic-powered automaton clock displaying constellations. The device's complex gear system inspired later inventions like mechanical looms. Despite political turmoil during the Imjin War, Han established 28 rural academies teaching scientific farming methods. Recent excavations at Gyeongbok Palace revealed his original engineering diagrams, proving Joseon's technological sophistication.