The Lives of the Commoners: The gardens in this zone are dedicated to the ordinary people who shaped the foundational culture of Korea.
Features such as an orchard path inspired by the nursery rhyme Spring in My Hometown, stone walls reminiscent of scenes from Seopyeonje,
a village guardian tree, and a wash area by Médongnae Stream evoke the nostalgic charm of a rural Korean hometown.
Médongnae Stream (Wash Area)
An area along a 400-meter stream—all crafted by hand—that recreates a space where village women once gathered to do laundry and chat.
Seonangdang Tree
A lightning-struck old scholar tree, believed to be the village guardian, protecting its people and bringing blessings.
Namdo Doldamgil Pathway
Inspired by a scene from the film Seopyeonje, this stone wall path mirrors the rural charm of Cheongsando village in South Jeolla Province.
Spring in Hometown
A garden that captures the nostalgic beauty of rural Korea, as portrayed in a beloved children’s song.
The Elegance of Seonbi: The gardens in this zone reflect the spirit of Seonbi (Korean scholars) who found joy in arts and poetry amidst nature.
Traditional Korean architecture, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape, along with a pair of square ponds, captures the graceful essence of the Seonbi.
In Jaeyedang Courtyard, the highlight of the Médongaule Korean Gardens, stands a fish-shaped rock that leaves a striking impression on visitors.
Pacheongheon Pavilion
Meaning 'Pavilion that Captures the Greenery,' the name is derived from a poem by Won Cheon-Seok (pen name Ungok).
Yongbanyeon Pond
'Pond Where a Dragon Has Returned,' symbolizing the retreat of Seonbi after stepping down from official positions.
Jaeyedang Pavilion
A pavilion dedicated to honoring the significance of art in human life, inspired by Nietzsche's philosophy.
Cheongyuwon Garden
A garden reflecting the clear and graceful spirit of the Seonbi.
Gosat Alley
A native Korean term for a narrow alleyway between village walls.
Muyeongwon Garden
'Garden Without Shadows,' an abstract garden envisioning the infinite energy of Korea extending into the universe.
Wonjuam Rock
A large fish-shaped rock located in the courtyard of Jaeyedang Pavilion.
The Spirit of the Korean People: The features in this zone are inspired by Neo-Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shamanism,
the three key spiritual influences on the Korean people. The stone garden and Seowon reflect the scholarly ideals of Neo-Confucianism,
while a hidden mountain trail behind the Seowon, imbued with shamanistic elements, leads visitors to a small Buddhist temple.
Bongsang Forest
A ginkgo forest where legend tells that Seonbi, upon completing their studies, would ascend as phoenixes, shedding beautiful golden feathers.
Gyeongoeam Temple
Meaning 'A Hermitage Beyond This World,' its named is inspired by the verse, "Outside the flowery path, snowflakes scatter," from a poem by Ungok.
Seongok Seowon Academy
A modern reinterpretation of Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Andong. 'Seongok' is a compound word referring to Médongaule, which literally means a valley once filled with Me-kkot blooms.
Gyeongju Pine Forest
A pine grove symbolizing the unwavering integrity of Seonbis and the noblesse oblige spirit of the Gyeongju Choi Family.
