Huwon (Secret Garden) at Changdeokgung Palace in downtown Seoul on May 18 at 7:30 a.m. was teeming with the greenery of early summer. Known as the most elegant garden in the country, the place exuded a silent serenity. The sun began to rise with a virtuous energy, and occasional sounds of birds chirping broke the silence that filled the place.
The palace that day hosted the interactive tour "Meditative Stroll Through a Royal Garden: Silent Serenity." With no explanation or guide, participants explored the garden at their own pace to experience silent tranquility. The following photos show the depth of contemplation that a Joseon royal garden offers in the morning.
By Lee Jeongwoo
Photos = Lee Jeongwoo
Self-reflection at king's garden
A morning walk through the king's garden features sunshine from old trees, birds singing, water drops falling from a stone pavilion and birds in a pond, a charming landscape seen from windows. The ideals and worldview of neo-Confucianism permeate the space, as well as efforts to protect and preserve the value of cultural heritage. The tour offers an opportunity to further discover the garden amid calm and self-reflection.
Silent contemplation at peaceful garden
A visitor sits near Buyongji Pond in Changdeokgung Palace. Tour participants can sit on chairs placed around the pond and take time out to reflect in nature. They look at commemorative postcards with old poems or records related to spots; this is when poems meet contemplation.
Connecting sky, land and people
The concept of Buyongji Pond was based on the theory of yin-yang and the five elements, believing that the sky is round and the earth square. The square pond has a circular island inside to express the principle of the theory saying yin-yang combined to create all things in the universe. A tranquil and stable world is reflected on the surface of the still water.
Harboring deep thoughts while still
Juhapru Pavilion was built in 1776, the year King Jeongjo took the throne, and its name means "embracing the world." The word juhap expresses the aspiration to connect the sky, reach under Earth and go beyond the four seas. The morning scenery at the palace shares this deep and wide meaning, and its beauty permeates silently to move visitors.
Landscape that shows interaction between space and nature
Hanok (traditional houses) have windows serving as frames to capture scenery. Visitors can borrow such views rather than try to own them, and can always see new landscapes through interaction between space and nature through living scenes, not framed pictures hanging on a wall. Beyond each window is a new garden at every moment.
Morning sound of water drops from stone passages resonate
The morning after a rainy day, water from a stream flows into the pond through Seokrujo, a dragon head-shaped stone water passage. The water dropping from the passage emits a soft but resonant sound that fills the silent palace.
Changdeokgung: epitome of Korean-style royal palace
From buildings and gardens to stone walls and even trees, Changdeokgung Palace shows perfect harmony with nature. Peonies in full bloom are found under the back garden walls, attesting to the scenery featuring a most Korean concept of beauty.
Sensory-stimulating cup of tea
Staff from the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center prepare the tea omija (Schisandra berry) and nurungji (scorched rice) to give people on the tour a rest. A warm cup of tea awakens their five senses and helps them contemplate on a Joseon morning.
Huwon (Secret Garden) of Changdeokgung Palace was first built in 1406 in the northern section of the palace. Most of the structure was burned down during the Imjin Waeran, or the 1592-98 Japanese invasions of the Korean Peninsula, but it was rebuilt in 1610. Over the following centuries, kings of the Joseon Dynasty renovated and expanded the garden to its present appearance. It was originally designed as a rest and walking area for the royal family, but also served other purposes as a place for writing poems, discussing literature, doing archery, fishing, and seeing flowers and fireworks. (Korea Tourism Organization)
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