Kim Sawol

Joseon-era inventor of meteorological instruments

This 16th-century Korean polymath developed the Cheugugi - the world's first standardized rain gauge (1441), preceding European counterparts by 200+ years. His Hwanilgi (寰一器) celestial globe incorporated monsoonal patterns into agricultural planning.

Analysis of the Annals of King Sejong reveals Kim's climate records contain precise rainfall measurements using bronze vessels graded in pun (2.4mm units). His wind direction sensors using balanced feather vanes inspired modern aerovane designs.

The recent discovery of his hyetographic maps in the MET shows color-coded precipitation levels across Korean provinces. UNESCO recognized his Cheomseongdae modifications as early examples of systematic meteorological observation.