“Paradise outside the palatial city” that’s what Seongnagwon means. It is a fitting name. We are about to enter a world far removed from Seoul’s modern hustle. Seongnagwon offers a glimpse into traditional Korean aesthetics.
Seongnagwon is special. It is perhaps the only traditional Korean garden that survived Seoul’s rapid development. For many years Seongnagwon remained a secret garden. It was rarely open to the public. It retained its original charm through private ownership. This included Joseon-era aristocrats.
The garden’s history is rich. It was once owned by Sim Sang-eung. He was the Minister of Personnel. Later Yi Gang lived here. He was a prince and the fifth son of King Gojong. Seongnagwon served as his secondary palace for 35 years.
Now Seongnagwon is officially a national scenic site. It is owned by a descendant of the Joseon aristocrat Sim Sang-eung. The government designated it as a cultural asset in 2008. Since then a restoration plan has been underway. The aim is to revive the Joseon garden’s original beauty.
As you enter Seongnagwon notice the narrow pathway. It feels like a natural wilderness. To your left is a small hill. It is named Dragon’s Head. This blocks the view. To the right listen to the mountain stream. The gurgling sound transports you. You are now far from the busy city.
Walk further along the path. You will soon reach a broad inner garden. Here you will see a rocky pond. It is decorated with an engraving. Kim Jeong-hui created this majestic calligraphy. He was a celebrated Joseon scholar. An unknown writer engraved a bucolic poem here as well.
Korean gardens differ from Chinese and Japanese styles. Chinese gardens often have high walls. Nature is expressed in an exaggerated way. Japanese gardens copy nature in miniature. They show reverence for nature. Seongnagwon embodies a different philosophy. Artificiality never overpowers nature here. People tried to enjoy nature as it is. They only made passive changes.
The garden is divided into three sections. This is typical of Joseon Dynasty gardens. The entrance has a stream. It flows from Mount Bukhan. There are tall pine trees and zelkova trees. Further in is a walkway next to a pond. From here you can see Kim Jeong-hui’s inscription.
The innermost area provides a great view. You can see Mount Namsan in the distance.
Seongnagwon’s design is intentional. It was meant to be enjoyed by a few people at a time. In the calm they could soak in nature. They could refine their minds. This garden offers a spiritual retreat.
The ongoing recovery work is nearly complete. The plan includes demolishing a house. It sits atop the hill at the back. The two ponds will be linked. This will bring the garden closer to its original design.
Take a moment to appreciate the harmony. Nature and art blend seamlessly in Seongnagwon. It stands out among the woodland villas of Joseon noblemen. Here in Seoul’s only classical Korean garden you can discover beauty. It is already there in nature. You only need a discerning eye.