Experiencing Traditional Korean Gardens Through Digital Innovation

▲ This image, provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), shows last year's exhibition held in Ilmin Museum of Art. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Yonhap) -- "In nature, both ears and eyes feel refreshed and clear / Amid the sounds of water and mountain views, a peaceful mind must be cultivated." (Chung Ji, Hanjungjagyeong)

An immersive exhibition offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lived in harmony with nature is now open. The Korea Heritage Service (KHS), in collaboration with Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, is presenting the exhibition Mieum Wanbo: Strolling Through Traditional Gardens at Sejong Museum of Art Hall 1 in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.

Mieum Wanbo is a phrase from Sangchun-gok, a poem by Joseon-era scholar Jeong Geuk-in (1401–1481), encapsulating the aesthetic journey of communing with nature and reflecting on oneself. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the beauty of traditional Korean gardens.

Utilizing precise measurements and research data on traditional landscaping accumulated by the KHS since 2021, the exhibition brings ancient gardens and landscapes to life through digital technology. Following its temporary showcase at Ilmin Museum of Art in Seoul last year, the exhibition has returned due to popular demand.

A KHS representative stated, "The exhibition was well received for making traditional Korean landscaping more accessible and immersive. We hope to further promote the value of traditional gardens through this renewed presentation."

Visitors can experience the serenity of nature throughout the exhibition. A tiered wooden veranda allows guests to sit and admire digital recreations of traditional gardens, while a towering six-meter video installation replicates the grandeur of Jirisan Ssanggyesa Temple and Buril Waterfall, a designated scenic site.

The exhibit also features a 3D model of Bangjiwondo, a traditional garden design with a rectangular pond and a circular island, and a reproduction of the rock garden from Myeongjae Historic House in Nonsan, a National Folklore Cultural Heritage site. A digital display presents the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Changdeokgung Palace’s Secret Garden, showcasing its seasonal transformations.

Additionally, visitors can view a media art piece portraying Gosan Yoon Seon-do’s garden in Bogildo, inspired by his deep admiration for nature.

On the opening day, the KHS and Sejong Center signed an agreement to promote Korea’s natural heritage and related cultural content.

The KHS remarked, "In the midst of modern life's fast pace, this exhibition offers a contemplative journey—an opportunity to appreciate how our ancestors harmonized nature, humanity, and art."

The exhibition runs until April 27.

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