近期一則新聞引起不少中韓網友的關注與熱議，那就是韓國流通貨幣「一萬韓元紙鈔」的設計細節。許多人在細看紙鈔背面時，竟然發現上面出現一件與中國古代天文歷史息息相關的器具——「渾天儀」。這讓不少中國網友感到驚訝，甚至有人直呼「中國古代的發明怎麼會出現在韓國的鈔票上？」

實際上，韓國的一萬韓元紙幣正面是大家熟知的世宗大王，他是朝鮮王朝最具代表性的君主之一，以創造並推廣韓文字母「訓民正音」（即後來的韓文）而名留青史。世宗大王的形象在韓國具有崇高地位，被視為文化與民族自信的象徵。紙幣正面以他作為主角，既是對歷史的紀念，也是國族精神的體現。

而在紙幣的背面，則描繪與天文相關的圖案，其中最醒目的便是「渾天儀」。渾天儀原本是中國古代的一種天文儀器，最早可以追溯到東漢時期，用來模擬天體的運行規律，對天文觀測和曆法制定有極其重要的作用。這項發明被後世不斷改良與傳播，影響包括朝鮮半島在內的周邊地區。

韓國將「渾天儀」放上紙鈔，並非單純複製中國的成就，而是因為在世宗大王時期，朝鮮王朝也建立專門的天文機構，並引進、改造中國的天文技術。他們在當時利用渾天儀來觀測天象、制定曆法，以保障農業生產和國家治理。換句話說，渾天儀在韓國歷史上確實曾發揮過重要作用，與世宗時期的治國理政息息相關。

不過，這樣的設計仍引發不少爭議。部分中國網友認為，渾天儀是中國古代的發明成果，被韓國放在紙鈔上會讓人誤以為是韓國的原創，甚至被解讀為「文化偷竊」。而韓國方面的說法則強調，渾天儀在朝鮮時期的確被廣泛使用，是韓國歷史文化遺產的一部分，因此將其與世宗大王並列，象徵著當時韓國在科學、文字與文化上的進步。

這起事件折射出中韓兩國在歷史文化認同上的敏感點。一方面，古代中國的技術與知識確實對朝鮮半島影響深遠，另一方面，韓國也希望強調自己在歷史上對這些成果的本土化應用與再創造。這種「誰的文化遺產」的爭論，往往容易激發民族情緒。

總體來看，一萬韓元紙鈔的設計，既是韓國對世宗大王偉大貢獻的致敬，也是對當時科學技術與文化成就的展現。然而，當中涉及的「渾天儀」元素，卻無形之中牽動了中韓之間對歷史歸屬感的微妙爭議，也提醒我們東亞文化交流的歷史，其實是一個你中有我、我中有你的複雜脈絡。

Recently, a curious detail on South Korea’s 10,000-won banknote has sparked heated debate among Chinese and Korean netizens. While the front of the note features King Sejong the Great, the monarch who created and promoted the Korean alphabet Hangul, the reverse side depicts an astronomical instrument known as the Armillary Sphere (Hun Tian Yi)—a device that actually originated in ancient China.

King Sejong holds a revered place in Korean history, remembered not only for introducing Hangul but also for his contributions to governance, science, and culture. Featuring him on the currency reflects both national pride and cultural identity. On the reverse side, the Armillary Sphere symbolizes scientific progress during his reign, when astronomy was closely linked to agriculture, timekeeping, and state affairs.

Historically, the Armillary Sphere was invented in China as early as the Eastern Han Dynasty. It was used to simulate celestial movements, aiding in astronomical observation and calendar-making. Over time, the technology spread across East Asia, including to the Korean Peninsula, where it was adopted, localized, and improved. During King Sejong’s era, the Joseon Dynasty established its own astronomical institutions, and instruments like the Armillary Sphere became essential tools in statecraft.

However, the decision to include the Armillary Sphere on Korean currency has not been without controversy. Some Chinese commentators argue that since the device is a Chinese invention, placing it on Korean money might mislead people into thinking it was an original Korean creation—interpreting it as a form of “cultural appropriation.” On the other hand, Korean perspectives stress that while the Armillary Sphere’s origins lie in China, it also became an integral part of Korea’s own history, especially under Sejong’s rule, and thus legitimately represents Korean heritage.

This dispute highlights the sensitive issue of historical and cultural ownership in East Asia. Chinese contributions to technology and knowledge deeply influenced Korea, while Korea, in turn, adapted and localized these ideas, weaving them into its own identity. The debate over the banknote underscores the shared yet contested cultural history of the region.

Ultimately, the 10,000-won note pays homage to King Sejong’s achievements, portraying him not only as the father of Hangul but also as a leader who advanced science and governance. Yet, by including the Armillary Sphere, it has inadvertently stirred cross-border debates about cultural heritage and historical attribution, reminding us of the complex interwoven legacy between China and Korea.