Gardening has been a cherished tradition across the world, deeply rooted in history. From the grand gardens of France to the distinct styles of China and Japan, each region showcases its unique approach to nature.
In Europe, particularly France, gardens often symbolize grandeur. In East Asia, China and Japan have cultivated their own styles—Chinese gardens focus on ornamental beauty and contemplation, while Japanese gardens emphasize proportion and balance, creating spaces for reflection.
But what about Korea? Contrary to common belief, traditional Korean gardens are not limited to royal palaces. In fact, Korea has a rich garden culture that extended into everyday life, with many private homes featuring their own gardens.
Korean gardens are unique in their philosophy of harmonizing with the natural landscape rather than altering it. The untouched beauty of the environment became the garden itself, reflecting a deep respect for nature.
A prime example is the "Byeolseo," a garden favored by scholars for its serenity and role as a space for reflection. These often-secluded gardens embody Korea's ethos of living in harmony with nature.
Through this post, I hope to bring attention to these hidden treasures and encourage others to explore Korea's traditional gardens.
1. Wando's Bogildo Yoon Sun-do Garden: A Timeless Sanctuary
Nestled on Bogildo Island in Wando, the Yoon Sun-do Garden serves as a pristine example of traditional Korean landscape architecture from the Joseon Dynasty. The garden is strategically divided into three main sections, each reflecting a unique aspect of Joseon aesthetics and philosophy.
Nakseojae, a north-facing residential area, features a study room and is flanked by a serene stream known as Nangimgye. Adjacent to the stream stand two distinct buildings, Goksudoang and Mumindang, both overlooking a spacious, rectangular pond. This setup not only enhances the tranquility of Nakseojae but also amplifies its scholarly ambiance.
Ascending to the garden’s higher grounds, Dongcheonseoksil presents a heavenly retreat. Known as Dongcheonbokji (a paradise for immortals), this area is the pinnacle for relaxation and reading, boasting the island’s highest elevation and offering a panoramic view of the mystical landscapes thought to be inhabited by celestial beings.
Near the shoreline, the intricately crafted area around Seyeonjeong pavilion showcases the garden's most elaborate designs. A wide pond formed at a cave’s mouth deepens to about two meters, adorned with a gazebo to appreciate the surrounding views. The pond itself is split into Gokji and Bangji, featuring large rocks and a square island respectively, setting a scene once vibrant with music and dance.
2. Haman's Mugyeondang Pond: A Legacy in Reflection
In the later Joseon period, the serene Mugyeondang Pond was constructed at the birthplace of Ju Jaeseong in Haman, a historical figure noted for his role in quelling a rebellion alongside the royal forces in 1728. In honor of his virtues, a commemorative stele and this pond were established at the entrance of his village.
Central to the pond is an island shaped like a mountain, a design choice that encapsulates Ju's profound connection to nature and scholarly pursuits. Despite renovations that have marred some of its historical integrity, Mugyeondang Pond remains a vital study subject for enthusiasts of garden culture.
3. Yeongyang's Seoseokji: A Portal to the Past
Seoseokji, created by Jeong Yeongbang in 1613 in what is now Yeongyang County, is a pond-and-pavilion complex that reflects the intellectual and aesthetic values of its time. The pond’s north side features a protruding stone platform known as Sau-dan, adorned with pines, bamboo, plum, and chrysanthemum, symbolizing steadfast friendship.
This picturesque pond, known for its 60 named stones such as Jade Success Platform and Wave-Watching Rock, captivates visitors with its floral spectacle of lotuses in mid-July, adding a vibrant layer to its storied waters.
4.Damyang's Myeongokheon Garden: Echoes of Jade
Located in Damyang, Myeongokheon Garden is a testament to the mid-Joseon era’s harmonization with nature. Founded by Oh Hee-do, and later nurtured by his son, the garden’s design centers around two square ponds and a pavilion that audibly echoes the sound of colliding jade, a metaphor for the flowing stream that fills and cascades between the ponds.
From the pavilion, one can gaze upon the reflective beauty of the landscape, a view that captures the essence of traditional Korean garden philosophy—living in unity with the natural surroundings.
5. Namwon's Gwanghalluwon Garden: A Celestial Stage
In the heart of Namwon stands Gwanghalluwon Garden, a majestic pavilion and garden complex that symbolizes the universe and celestial bodies, echoing tales from the famous Korean folktale Chunhyangjeon.
Established during the reign of King Sejong and later restored, Gwanghalluwon remains a pivotal cultural and historical site, reflecting the lofty ideals of its creators.
6. Goesan's Amseorae: A Scholar's Retreat
In Goesan County, Amseorae marks the spot where scholar Song Si-yeol spent his retirement, teaching and meditating amidst the natural beauty of Huayang Stream.
The setting, complete with rock formations and lush pine trees, complements the serene scholarly environment, making Amseorae a revered site of Korean intellectual heritage.
7. Wando's Dongcheonseoksil: A Cultural Respite
Located within the serene Bogildo in Wando, the Dongcheonseoksil is more than just a garden—it's a microcosm of the ideal scholar's retreat. Modeled after the mythological paradise of immortals, this space is crafted to offer peace and introspection, situated at one of the island's highest points, overlooking the ethereal landscape of Buyongdong.
The garden is meticulously divided, with features like Seokdam (stone ponds) where lotus flowers bloom, and the Huihwanggyo, a bridge that elegantly splits the water, allowing for meditative walks amidst the sounds of flowing water. Notable still are the remnants of ancient tea rituals, such as the Yongdooam and Tea Rock, where scholars once paused to steep tea and reflect on the poetic landscapes before them.
The presence of carefully placed stones throughout Dongcheonseoksil adds layers of meaning and function. Each stone, named and positioned with intention, creates an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually enriching, inviting visitors to ponder the natural beauty and historical depth that permeates the place.
A Timeless Journey Through Korea’s Gardens
Each of these gardens—from Bogildo’s Yoon Sun-do Garden to the scholarly enclave of Amseorae in Goesan—tells a unique story of Korea’s rich cultural tapestry and the profound bond between nature and human ingenuity. These landscapes serve not only as beautiful vistas but as living museums, preserving the philosophical, aesthetic, and scholarly traditions of their times.
Whether through the tranquil ponds of Haman's Mugyeondang or the reflective surfaces of Damyang's Myeongokheon Garden, these spaces offer a timeless insight into the Korean soul, providing a peaceful respite from the modern world and a bridge to the wisdom of the past. Visiting these gardens is not merely a touristic experience but a profound journey into the heart of Korean heritage and its continuing legacy in the natural world.