• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.127-137
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• 2022

In this paper, we have examined Seo Yu-gu's concept of rural home landscaping by reviewing the contents in Wonrim·Ganso in Hyungbipochi. The origin of his concept of rural residential landscaping reflects the Joseon Fengshui perspective following Bokgeo Sayo. Keeping in mind the requirements for living environment based on the Joseon Fengshui perspective, Seo Yu-gu interpreted Jiangjiuyuanji and introduced the components of ideal living that he had obtained from it in ways applicable and suitable to rural homes in Joseon. Jiangjiuyuanji, which contains the natural elements such as mountains, water, fields, and trees, could have been well received by Joseon scholars. As Seo Yu-gu explained in Sangtaekji, it had all the components of Nakto. In sum, constructing the hedges with three layers to promote the safety of rural residents and protect the food sources, utilising water sources for rural homes in various ways, and creating a beautiful courtyard Seokgasan and ponds were Seo Yu-gu's ways of reproducing the requirements for Nakto described in Jiangjiuyuanji such as a safe living environment surrounded by mountains resembling a lotus flower castle, a plentiful water source, and a beautiful natural environment based on the principle of 'Bokgeo Sayo'. In other words, through the content of his writing Wonrim·Ganso, he was articulating his thoughts on how to realise the ideal living conditions described in Jiangjiuyuanji in ways applicable to rural homes in Joseon. In the extended context of Imwon gyeongje ji, such deliberation of Seo Yu-gu shows a glimpse of the goals and practices he pursued through it. The content of Wonrim·Ganso in Hyungbipochi truly manifests Seo Yu-gu's approach to and understanding of Chinese literature. Moreover, his suggestions for application in rural Joseon villages verify the orientation and practical goals of Imwon gyeongje ji as he stated in the preface that 'the book was written specially for Joseon'.