Traditional Villa Garden Embodying the Spirit of Joseon Scholars
Crape Myrtle Blossoms in Full Bloom, Coloring Summer Red
Myeongokheon Pavilion. The garden of the house where Oh Heedo, a mid-Joseon Dynasty civil official, lived. Provided by Damyang County.
'Myeongokheon Garden,' located in Goseo-myeon, Damyang County, South Jeolla Province, is a traditional villa garden that fully embodies the Joseon-era scholars' view of nature and space for contemplation.
Recently, as more travelers visit to enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons, it has regained attention as one of Damyang's representative garden culture assets.
Myeongokheon Garden was created by Oh Ijeong, the son of Oh Heedo, a mid-Joseon Dynasty civil official, to honor his father. The name 'Myeongokheon' (鳴玉軒) originates from the clear and beautiful sound of the spring water flowing behind the pavilion, said to resemble the clinking of jade beads. It is believed that the renowned scholar Song Siyeol personally bestowed the name.
This space, centered around the pavilion and garden, is more than just a scenic spot. It is a philosophical space where one can sense the spirit of scholars who lived in harmony with nature and devoted themselves to contemplation and study.
The path to Myeongokheon restricts vehicle access, so visitors must walk approximately 700 meters from the parking lot. As you follow the gravel and dirt paths through the village, the simple rural scenery and natural sounds allow you to naturally experience the garden's 'aesthetics of slowness.'
Upon entering the garden, the first thing that catches the eye is the two ponds in front of the pavilion. These are built in the 'Bangjiwondo' (square pond, round island) style, a traditional Joseon garden design, where a round island is placed inside a square pond to symbolize the principles of nature.
Around the pond, crape myrtle trees (Baekilhong) and pine trees, some over 100 years old, create a tranquil landscape. Especially in summer, the red crape myrtle blossoms scatter over the pond's surface, bringing the garden's beauty to its peak.
Crape myrtle flowers (Baekilhong) at Myeongokheon Garden, which turn red in summer. Provided by Damyang County
The crape myrtle, whose name means 'blooms for one hundred days,' symbolizes the perseverance and integrity of scholars. The quiet scene of these flowers offers an ideal setting for reflection and contemplation.
Though Myeongokheon is not large in scale, its open structure allows visitors sitting on the wooden floor to take in the serene forest and pond at a glance. The garden, with minimal artificial intervention, accepts nature as it is and, through harmony with the environment, showcases a 'nature-centered' beauty rather than a human-centered one.
An official from the county stated, "Myeongokheon Garden is a historical and cultural resource that preserves the life and spirit of Joseon scholars. It is a place where visitors can feel the value of rest and contemplation amid ever-changing nature throughout the seasons," adding, "In particular, during the summer when the crape myrtle flowers are in full bloom, you can experience another charm of Damyang."
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