Name: Changdeokgung Secret Garden
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, 율곡로 99번지
Telephone: 02-3668-2300
Rating: 4.8

Sprawling, scenic grounds around Changdeokgung Palace featuring pavilions, ponds & lush trees.

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Changdeokgung Secret Garden

Changdeokgung Secret Garden, also known as Biwon, distinguishes itself from other Korean palace gardens through its deliberate embrace of natural topography. Unlike the meticulously manicured gardens of European royalty, Biwon's architects sought to enhance, not dominate, the existing landscape. This resulted in a series of interconnected pavilions, ponds, and valleys that seem to organically emerge from the surrounding hills. One intriguing aspect is the Buyongji Pond area, where the Buyongjeong pavilion reflects delicately on the water, creating an illusion of floating architecture. The garden also houses Jondeokjeong pavilion, a unique two-story structure with a fan-shaped roof, a testament to the Joseon dynasty's architectural ingenuity. Furthermore, the Secret Garden served as a space for royal agricultural experiments, with small rice paddies demonstrating the king's commitment to the welfare of his people. This blend of aesthetic beauty and practical purpose sets Biwon apart, offering a glimpse into the philosophical underpinnings of Korean garden design.

Introduction

Changdeokgung Secret Garden exemplifies Joseon Dynasty royal garden design principles through its seamless integration with the natural topography, diverging from strictly formal garden layouts. Unlike gardens emphasizing human control over nature, the Secret Garden strategically incorporates existing valleys, hills, and water features, minimizing artificial alterations. This approach reflects the Joseon Dynasty's Neo-Confucian ideals of harmony between humans and nature. Pavilions like Buyongjeong and Aeryeonjeong are positioned to offer specific viewpoints that enhance the appreciation of the surrounding landscape, demonstrating a keen understanding of perspective and visual composition. The garden's water management system, featuring interconnected ponds and streams, showcases advanced engineering skills and a deep understanding of hydrology, crucial for sustaining the garden's ecosystem. Plant selection favored native species, reinforcing the garden's naturalistic aesthetic and reflecting a conscious effort to preserve the Korean peninsula's indigenous flora. The deliberate placement of stones and rock formations further contributes to the garden's seemingly untouched appearance, embodying the concept of "borrowed scenery" where distant views are incorporated into the garden's design. Furthermore, the Secret Garden served not only as a place of leisure but also as a space for royal agricultural experiments in a small rice paddy field, demonstrating the Joseon Dynasty's emphasis on practical knowledge and self-sufficiency.

Joseon Dynasty Royal Garden Design

Changdeokgung Secret Garden exemplifies Korean landscape architecture principles through its emphasis on harmony with nature and understated artificiality. Unlike the imposing grandeur of palace architecture, the Secret Garden prioritizes integration with the existing topography. The Buyongji Pond area showcases this, with pavilions like Buyongjeong delicately positioned to complement the natural contours of the land rather than imposing upon them. Undulating pathways encourage exploration and discovery, revealing carefully framed vistas that highlight the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The principle of "borrowed scenery," or "chagyeong," is masterfully employed throughout the garden. Distant mountain peaks and surrounding forests are intentionally incorporated into the garden's design, blurring the boundaries between the constructed and the natural world. This technique expands the perceived space and creates a sense of boundless tranquility. The garden's structures, such as the Jondeokjeong pavilion and its lotus pond, are deliberately simple and unadorned, allowing the natural elements to take precedence. Native plant species are favored over exotic varieties, further reinforcing the garden's connection to its environment. The irregular layout and asymmetrical arrangement of elements reflect a deep understanding of Taoist and Confucian philosophies, emphasizing balance and the interconnectedness of all things. Water features, such as streams and ponds, are strategically placed to create a sense of movement and vitality, while also reflecting the surrounding landscape. The Secret Garden embodies the Korean ideal of a landscape that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a place for contemplation, recreation, and communion with nature.

Changdeokgung Secret Garden

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