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Korean Garden

The Balance of Forces

The design of the Korean Garden was influenced by three different pillars of thought: Buddhism, the teachings of Confucius and popular shamanic belief. The latter teaches us the balance of male and female forces in nature. Only together can the male figure ("Knight of the Sky") and the female figure ("Knight of the Earth") unfold their full power as a guardian spirit. You will find the pair at the entrance and at the exit of the village.

 

 

Park planPark plan

The Seoul Garden

The Korean Garden is authentic garden art in the Korean tradition. Special features of the garden are the abstract wooden figures and totem poles, which refer to the partly shamanic culture of Korea. Koreans appeal to them for protection and help.
 

 

 

The varied landscape is an authentic reflection of Korean nature. Surrounded by rocky landscapes, you’ll find the tree species typical of Korea: pine, bamboo, oak and Japanese maple. In addition, four courtyards with lavishly designed gates and masonry invite you to linger. Built on rocks, the central structure of the complex is "Kye Zeong" (pavilion on the water), and, as its name suggests, it is located directly on the water. In it you will find some typical Korean living rooms.

 

The garden, which opened in March 2006, was a gift from Seoul and was designed by Korean garden architects. Almost exclusively original works of art and building elements from Korea were used during construction. The project, initiated as part of a visit to Berlin by the Mayor of Seoul, was intended to help deepen the friendly relations between the capitals of South Korea and Germany.

 

Zang Sung, Buk Su and Sot Da - Korean shamanism

The various wooden figures and totem poles are testimonies of Korea’s shamanic culture. Totem poles called "Zang Sung" and large wooden figures are used to address the wishes of the people; the smaller figures are to protect against natural disasters such as fire or flood and epidemics. They are called "Buk Su". Birds are given a special role in the communication with the spirit world: The so-called "Sot Da" sit at the head of the shamanic spirit poles and are said to act as messengers, carrying the prayers of the people to the spirits in the upper worlds.

 

 

Other Themed Gardens

Jewish Garden

to the garden

The Maze and the Labyrinth

to the garden

Christian Garden

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Oriental-Islamic Garden

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Japanese Garden

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Korean Garden

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Karl Foerster Perennial Garden

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Italian Renaissance Garden

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Balinese Garden

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English Garden

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