By Tony MacGregor
Contributing Writer

A Korean garden is a timeless expression of centuries of philosophical and religious thought and responses to the natural environment of Korea.

In an age of cultural uniformity and the indiscriminate spread of Western cultural ideas, taking a walk through a traditional Korean garden will give you an insight into the ancient and distinct identity of Korea.

Fortunately in Seoul and other parts of Korea, there are well-preserved gardens, some remaining from ancient times. And there are many Koreans who maintain a stubborn love for their unique traditional gardens and are fighting to maintain them.

One of them is Professor Sim Woo-kyung of landscape architecture at Korea University in Seoul.

His favorite garden is right here in Seoul. It is known as Biwon or the Secret Garden at Changdeok-gung Palace near Anguk subway station, line 3, exit 3.

Built in 1405 at the base of a mountain, the palace and its garden were positioned to take into consideration the geographical features of the mountain slope.

Destroyed during the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598), the palace was restored in the 17th century. After further restorations over the years it was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1997, in part because of the remarkable harmony it achieves with its natural environment.

One of the most striking features of the garden is Buyongji, a tranquil pond that was constructed based on the traditional belief that while heaven is round, the Earth is rectangular. The rectangular pool edged with white stone represents the Earth while the rounded island at its center represents heaven.

In ancient times, kings used Buyongji, or the Lotus Pond, for official purposes, such as receiving foreign envoys or holding examinations for court officials.

Professor Sim explained that while Western landscape architecture centered on people and the mastery of nature, the Eastern approach emphasizes harmony with nature, even the worship of it.

He said that in the Secret Garden with its many trees, ponds, pavilions, and small bridges, the ancients tried not to disturb the beauty of the natural environment but designed everything in harmony with the surroundings.

``A characteristic of Korean gardens, even compared to other Eastern gardens, is the preservation of the character of the site ― to make only the modifications that are absolutely required," he said.

The Secret Garden, which covers about 330 square kilometers, is home to more than 160 kinds of trees ― some of them hundred of years old ― and 40 kinds of birds.

It is easy to imagine ancient kings resting here, writing poems while listening to a waterfall, smelling aromatic plants and discussing life with close friends. Even today, the garden insulates visitors from noise and the air smells fresh, perhaps because of the size of the garden and its foliage.

The garden achieves an atmosphere Sim says is the ideal of Korean gardens. ``A good Korean garden should be beautiful, practical, ecological, functional cultural and philosophical," he said.

He explained that the Korean garden has been influenced by many philosophical and religious movements ― Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and others ― but has also been influenced by the early indigenous beliefs and views of nature.

Those beliefs included an Earth god, a water god, a wood god, and gods that chased away misfortune and brought blessings. It also involved a myth of ancient Korean kings being descended from a bear-woman as well as a belief in mountain spirits.

``In man's early history, people stood in awe of nature and maintained an organic relationship with it. Those beliefs are still reflected in a traditional Korean garden," said Sim.

The Secret Garden is a place that makes you feel comfortable, a place that reflects Koreans' beliefs in unity and harmony. It washed away the stresses and tensions of aristocrats and it can wash away the stresses and tensions of modern life. Once the refuge of kings, it is now open to all who wish to experience it. Tours are available in English. (web site www.cdg.go.kr)