This fall, Seoul's Namsan will see the birth of the 'Korean Forest Garden,' a modern reinterpretation of the sentiment and aesthetics of traditional Korean gardens. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 22nd that it will begin the 'Namsan Korean Forest Garden Development Project' to revamp the Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden area (Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu) starting in May. The completed garden is scheduled to open to the public in October.   

The Namsan Maru Observatory, to be located in the Namsan Korean Forest Garden, will use transparent materials to create a unique landscape that blends the lush forests of Namsan with the skyline of downtown Seoul. (Photo: Seoul Metropolitan Government)   

The newly developed Korean Forest Garden will span 30,000㎡ (approximately 9,100 pyeong), making it the largest traditional forest garden in Korea. While preserving the characteristics of traditional gardens, it will be designed as a themed and experiential space where nature, people, and culture harmonize in the city. The Korean Forest Garden will consist of 14 gardens under four themes: ▶Tradition and Culture, ▶Nature and Ecology, ▶Recreation and Relaxation, and ▶Open Charm Garden. The Seoul Metropolitan Government explained, "We will create paths that comply with the natural flow while preserving the ecological value of the existing terrain and trees as much as possible, and place rest areas and viewing points so that visitors can fully experience the four seasons of Korea in the garden."   

First, the 'Forest Garden of Tradition and Culture' will consist of three areas: Yeongjiwon, Jidangwon, and Mugunghwa Garden. Designed to allow visitors to fully experience Korea's unique sentiment and culture while strolling through the garden, it reflects the Korean way of life and traditional values of living in harmony with nature. For example, Jidangwon is designed as a peaceful and elegant space that utilizes ecological wetlands to capture the natural blank spaces and seasonal changes.

Observatory Connecting Forest and City to be Installed

The 'Forest Garden of Nature and Ecology' will consist of five themed gardens: Azalea Garden, Plum Blossom Garden, Moss Garden, Bamboo Forest Garden, and Pine Forest Garden. It is planned to be a special space where visitors can escape from daily life and experience rest and healing through deep interaction with nature. The 'Forest Garden of Recreation and Relaxation' will be designed as a space that adds vitality to daily life through leisurely rest, activities, and cultural experiences in nature. It will consist of three areas: Pine Forest Plaza, Ginkgo Tree Yard, and Namsan Maru Observatory. In particular, the Namsan Maru Observatory is expected to become a scenic spot that blends the lush forests of the mountains with the skyline of downtown Seoul, as it is connected to the Namsan Dulle-gil trail.   

The 'Open Charm Garden' will consist of the Entrance Plaza and Small Entrance, serving as a welcoming garden that marks the beginning of the Korean Forest Garden. In addition, a 'Barefoot Health Walking Path' will be created to support citizens' healthy daily lives. All facilities within the 'Korean Forest Garden' will be open to the public free of charge. Lee Soo-yeon, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Garden City Bureau, said, "We will reorganize the Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden area, which has deteriorated ecological functions, into a healthy space for citizens. We will harmoniously incorporate elements of tradition, ecology, and healing to ensure that Namsan becomes a representative garden that everyone in the city wants to visit and linger in."

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