Digitally Recreating Traditional Gardens with Cultural Heritage Administration’s Survey Data
On April 24, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that it will present the exhibition "Mieumwanbo (微吟緩步), Strolling Through Traditional Gardens" at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno-gu, Seoul, until April 27.
This exhibition digitally showcases traditional Korean gardens. Utilizing data meticulously measured and researched by the Cultural Heritage Administration since 2021 on traditional landscaping, it vividly recreates gardens and natural landscapes designed by people of the past. Mieumwanbo is a phrase from Jeong Geuk-in (1401?1481)'s "Sangchungok," meaning to softly chant while walking slowly. It embodies an aesthetic process that goes beyond simple garden appreciation to include communion with nature and introspection.
The exhibition is divided into three parts. "Sansujirak (山水之樂), The Joy of Befriending Nature" allows visitors to experience the pleasure of encountering nature within the city. Inspired by the famous scenic spot "Jirisan Ssanggyesa Temple and Bulil Waterfall area," known for its outstanding natural beauty, the video content vividly depicts the waterfall’s water flow and swimming fish.
"Gyeokmulchiji (格物致知), The Charm Gained from Gardens" shows the ancestors’ desire to satisfy their longing for nature in daily life. Through media mapping projecting images onto objects, it displays the Bangjiwondo (方池圓島) style of placing a round island in a square pond and the Seokgasan (石假山, a rock garden imitating mountainous landscapes) of the Nonsan Myeongjae Old House.
Visitors to the exhibition 'Mieumwanbo, Strolling Through Traditional Gardens' [Photo by National Heritage Administration]
"Injijeui (因地制宜), Gardens Dependent on Nature" introduces villa gardens that embody personal utopias by incorporating philosophical meanings or ideas into places with beautiful landscapes. Videos interpreting the designated scenic spots "Bogildo Yun Seondo Garden," "Damyang Soswaewon," "Damyang Myeongokheon Garden," and "Hwasun Imdaejeong Garden" through media art are displayed on large screens, capturing visitors’ attention.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Cultural Heritage Administration will sign a business agreement with the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts to promote and activate content in the field of natural heritage. Starting with this exhibition, they plan to continue various collaborations both domestically and internationally.
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