Soswaewon Garden in South Korea

Soswaewon Garden in South Korea was created by the scholar Yang San-bo during the reign of Joseon's King Jungjong (r. 1506-1544). This garden is representative of those built during the middle of the Joseon period (1392-1910). Within a 9,900-square-meter area surrounded by boulders, Gwangpunggak Pavilion, Jewoldang Hall, flowerbeds, ponds, a single-log bridge and a water wheel create a beautiful landscape. The garden is located at 123-oe Jigok-ri, Nam-myeon, Damyang-gun in Jeollanam-do.

Features of Soswaewon Garden in South Korea

  -   Soswaewon Garden is a private garden from the Joseon Period where you can still watch the beauty of traditional Korea in its full glory.
  -   The garden particularly makes extensive use of natural features whose original state is retained as much as possible.
  -   A stone and mud wall encloses the garden.
  -   Three inscribed stone and wooden panels are built into the wall.
  -   There are two pavilions, a bamboo grove, swaying pine trees, zelkova trees and maple trees inside the garden.
  -   On the long wall at the entrance, a board displays Kim Inhu's poem glorifying the garden.
  -   A wood-block print made in 1755 displays the original plan of the garden and buildings many of which no longer exist.
  -   Yang San-Bo created this garden after he gave up his success when his mentor Jo Gwang-Jo was killed during a political strife.
  -   Various kinds of trees and grass planted on either side of the stream and clear water flowing down the foot of the garden walls, create a serene ambience.
  -   The log bridge above the valley enhances the charm of the scenery.
  -   The harmony between the nature and human endeavor is indescribably beautiful.
  -   Soswaewon Garden is 150 meter away from the roads.
  -   Passing through the thick bamboo forest, you will find the small valley and Soswaewon Garden on your left.
  -   Soswaewon Garden connotes a beautiful garden where the righteous could enjoy a content, plain and honest life between the bamboo groves.
  -   The garden is laden with the philosophy of scholars who had a self-sufficient lifestyle immersed in nature and scholarly pursuits.