A serene Korean garden, crafted to capture the natural beauty of South Jeolla Province and the elegance of traditional Korean landscaping, has found a home amidst Manhattan’s skyscrapers. As twilight falls, warm lights softly illuminate stone walls and lush foliage, evoking the ambiance of a secluded, rustic Korean backyard.
Named Aeyangdan, the garden was created by renowned landscape artist Hwang Ji-hae, 48, a three-time gold medalist at London’s prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Located on the second-floor outdoor terrace of the Korean Cultural Center New York’s new building, Aeyangdan opened to the public on Oct. 26.
Hailing from Gokseong in South Jeolla Province, Hwang was invited by the Cultural Center earlier this year to bring a piece of Korean garden tradition to New York. Drawing inspiration from Soswaewon Garden in Damyang County, she chose to recreate Aeyangdan, a symbol of Korean garden heritage.
Hwang transformed the 99-square-meter space with traditional Korean tiles and more than 100 native Korean species—totaling 500 plants. To add an authentic touch, she included salt jars and a traditional well, bringing elements of Korea’s everyday heritage to the terrace.
Attendees at the dedication ceremony included prominent figures from New York’s landscape architecture community, such as members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) New York Chapter and Thomas J. Byrne, president of The Korea Society, all of whom praised the garden’s artistry and cultural significance.
A key advocate for the project was South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Yung-rok. During a U.S. visit in January to promote South Jeolla cuisine, he met with Kim Cheon-soo, the Center’s director, who requested a South Jeolla-inspired garden for the terrace. Thanks to Hwang Ji-hae’s artistry, the vision came to life. Governor Kim shared his hope that “visitors from around the world who come to New York will experience the garden culture of South Jeolla Province.”
