• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.1-17
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• 2016

The main aim of this study is to provide an overview of the characteristics the Oungak (五雲閣) area on the north of rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace which was constructed during the time of king Kojong. This study also consider the aspect of functional elements of Ocryucheon (玉流川) located in Changdeokgung Palace and how the Oungak area was used as a substitute for the Ocryucheon. The Oungak area is the private space of the king. It was built in a natural setting which used existing environment including spring water and the rock carved with inscriptions 'Cheonha-Jaeil-Bokji (天下第一福地). King Kojong tried to replace Ocryucheon with Oungak area which had played a important role of relaxation and leisure for royal family at the Ocryucheon to reconstructed Gyeongbokgung Palace. Despite being away from each other, Oungak area seems quite similar to Ocryucheon area. Oungak area and Ocryucheon have a common conditions of a location and structure of the building. Both constructed on the northernmost part of rear garden, composition of buildings and the design of waterway estimated to function as Curve-Stream Banquet. Oungak area was consisted of Ocryeonjeong (玉蓮亭) Pavilion, Oungak Building, Byeokhwasil (碧華室) Building and Cheonha-Jaeil-Bokji-Cheon (天下第一福地泉) Spring and Streams. Except Byeokhwasil Building, spatial compositions of Oungak area showed pattern that were similar to Ocryucheon area. The area was developed, moreover, to unconventional space that depended on the conditions of topography, slope, water system. First, The Ocryeonjeong Pavilion constructed to view the landscape of Seoul to Namsan Mountain. Second, the peculiar form of Cheonha-Jaeil-Bokji-Cheon Streams is estimated the shape imitated from Curve-Stream Banquet on Ocryuchon. Third, Oungak Building was constructed like a habitable house with Nongsanjeong Building in Ocryucheon. The Oungak area was constructed to improve Gyeongbokgung Palace, Consequently, the Oungak area specially characteristic of Joseon palaces's rear garden.