When discussing Korea’s landscape, one cannot overlook its mountains. With around 70% of the country covered by mountainous terrain, Korea is a land where ridges(Neungseon)—those long lines that connect mountain peaks—are a common and defining feature. These ridge lines are not just part of the natural scenery, but over the centuries, they have come to symbolize much more in the lives and culture of the Korean people. In this column, we will explore the significance of ridge lines in Korea and how they have been portrayed in Korean literature and art.
The Definition of Ridge Lines and Their Appeal
A ridge line connects the highest points of a mountain, creating a natural flow across the landscape. In Korea’s rugged terrain, ridges are often seen weaving through the peaks, offering breathtaking views. Sometimes gentle and serene, at other times steep and dramatic, these ridge lines are cherished by hikers not only for the challenge they offer but also for the beauty and peace that come with walking along them.
As you ascend along a ridge, each step brings a new perspective, and the views that await at the top are nothing short of magnificent. This experience mirrors the journey of life—each obstacle overcome leads to a new vantage point. Ridge lines, in this way, symbolize the challenges and triumphs we face along life’s path.
Ridge Lines in Korean Culture – A Symbol in Literature and Art
Ridge lines have long held symbolic meaning in Korean literature and art. From the Joseon Dynasty to modern times, they have been a powerful metaphor for life’s ups and downs, and a source of inspiration for those who seek to explore the relationship between humans and nature.
1. Jeong Seon’s True-View Landscape Paintings – Capturing Nature’s Essence
One of the most iconic portrayals of ridge lines in Korean art can be found in the works of Jeong Seon, a renowned painter from the Joseon Dynasty. His “True-View Landscape” paintings, such as Inwang Jesaekdo and Geumgang Jeondo, depict the majestic beauty of Korea’s mountainous terrain. In these works, the ridge lines are not merely geographic features; they are an artistic expression of the harmonious relationship between nature and the human spirit. In Inwang Jesaekdo, for instance, the ridge rises through the misty morning, symbolizing resilience and strength—a reflection of the Korean ethos.
2. Korean Poetry – Life’s Journey through Mountain Ridges
In Korean poetry, ridges often symbolize the trials and rewards of life. Jeong Yak-yong, a scholar and poet during the Joseon Dynasty, used ridges as a metaphor for overcoming adversity in his exile poems. He wrote, “The path over the ridge is treacherous, but beyond it lies a new world,” illustrating how the difficult journey over the ridge mirrors life’s struggles and the hope that awaits on the other side. Similarly, in Yun Seon-do’s famous work “Eobusasisa” (The Fisherman’s Calendar), changing ridge lines reflect the cyclical passage of seasons, blending nature’s rhythms with human emotions.
3. Ridge Lines in Modern Korean Literature – An Exploration of the Inner Self
In modern Korean literature, ridge lines continue to serve as a metaphor for personal growth and exploration. Poet Seo Jeong-ju, in his poem “Beside the Chrysanthemum”, describes the hidden world beyond the ridge, evoking the idea of undiscovered truths and the journey of self-realization. The ridge here symbolizes the barrier between the present and what lies beyond, a powerful representation of human introspection and discovery.
Ridge Lines and Korea’s Love for Hiking
Korea’s love for hiking has further strengthened the cultural significance of ridge lines. Many Koreans take to the mountains on weekends, walking along ridges to reconnect with nature and themselves. In autumn, the ridges are covered in vibrant foliage, creating some of the country’s most iconic natural landscapes. For Koreans, walking along a ridge is not just a physical activity but a meditative practice that fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.
The Meaning of Ridge Lines
Ridge lines in Korea are much more than physical features of the landscape; they are deeply embedded in the culture and psyche of the Korean people. Just as the ascent along a ridge offers ever-changing views, so too does life present us with challenges and rewards. Korea’s ridge lines stand as a powerful symbol of nature’s grandeur and life’s journey, a reminder that each step we take brings us closer to new perspectives and insights.
Walking along a ridge, we not only engage with nature but also reflect on the contours of our own lives, discovering the resilience and hope that lies within. Ridge lines, in Korean culture, represent more than just a topographical feature—they embody the journey of life, hope, and the promise of a new horizon.