On October 25, the New York Korean Cultural Center held a grand opening ceremony for the “Ae Yangdan” Korean traditional garden, symbolizing the harmony between Korean spiritual culture and nature. This garden, bringing Eastern aesthetics to New York City, captivated the attention of a large number of Korean New Yorkers.
Located on the second floor of the New York Korean Cultural Center, the “Ae Yangdan” garden was created with the support of South Jeolla Province and designed by renowned garden designer Ji-hae Hwang. A three-time Chelsea Flower Show gold medalist, she not only showcased the delicacy and elegance of Korean gardens but also expressed respect for nature and culture through this work. The garden meticulously cultivates over a hundred species of native Korean trees, creating a natural landscape with around 500 trees.
Over a hundred guests, including South Jeolla Governor Kim Yung-rok, New York Korean Cultural Center Director Kim Cheon-soo, and Thomas Byrne, President of the non-profit organization “The Korea Society,” attended the inauguration ceremony to witness the opening of “Ae Yangdan.”
The design concept of “Ae Yangdan” aims to bring the elegant atmosphere of traditional Korean gardens and the natural ambiance of South Jeolla Province to the heart of New York City. Ji-hae Hwang integrated Eastern aesthetics into the cultural atmosphere of Manhattan, allowing visitors to experience the unique charm of Korean gardens in this space. Every aspect of the “Ae Yangdan” landscape design is intricate, from tree selection to the presentation of traditional elements, showcasing the idea of harmony between nature and culture in South Jeolla Province.
Governor Kim Yung-rok of South Jeolla Province expressed, “Through the showcase of ‘Ae Yangdan,’ we hope that the people of New York can feel the respect for nature and life in Korean garden culture, and ignite interest in sustainable development. This garden bridges a distance of 11,000 kilometers, bringing our sincere greetings to nature, and we hope that all visitors will find inner peace and satisfaction here.”