• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.45-54
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• 2016

For the design of landscape, quantitative research is very important data for the designer. In this regard, this study analyzed the rhythm of the wall of Oksan Seowon, which horizontally ascends the slope, as the principles of design. This resulted in the deduction of the numerical proportion and progression, which became design motifs and proposed a design method, which can be applied in landscape rhythm design. The Oksan Seowon is a very valuable cultural heritage, where a very meticulous design principles were found as a result of the analysis of the slope rhythm, for which the proportion and scale were employed. A principle of proportion was found, where an asymmetric balance was formed by weighting the lower part of the slope, in accordance with the degree of the slope. Also, The scale of the height of the wall was based on the human scale. The aesthetic rhythmic design progression was derived from the area and the horizontal line rhythm of the walls. Also, They found out the Fibonacci series and golden ratio. The fact that cultural heritage was analyzed of aesthetic design principles by the very systematic quantitative method is of great significance. Moreover, derived motifs proposed examples of an application of analyzed rhythm progression to the landscape rhythm design. This research will be able to function as the frame and data for the design method of the landscape rhythm.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.50-66
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• 2016

This study attempts to understand and explain how "Directed Attention Restorative Environment (DARE)" is managed and fostered in "Gang-Hak (講學)" and "Yu-Sik (遊息)" spaces both inside and outside of Oksan Seowon Confucian Academy, Gyeongju. Directed Attention is a pivotal element in human information processing so that its restoration is crucial for effective thinking and learning. According to Kaplan & Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory, an environment, in order to be restorative, should have four elements: 'Being Away,' 'Extent,' 'Fascination,' and 'Compatibility.' We could confirm OkSan Seowon Confucian Academy has an inner logic that integrates two basically different spacial concepts of "Jangsu" and "Yusik" and thus fosters the Attention Restorative Environment. Particularly, the Four Mountains and Five Platforms (四山五臺) surrounding the premises provides an excellent learning environment, and is in itself educational in terms of the Neo-Confucian epistemology with "Attaining Knowledge by way of Positioning Things (格物致知)" as its principle precept, and of its aesthetics with "Connectedness with Nature" as its central tenet. This study attempts to recapture the value of Korea's cultural heritage concerning the Human/Nature relationship; and it may provide useful insights and practical guidelines/grounds in designing today's schools and campuses, where the young people's needs for the Directed Attention- and Attention Restorative- Servicescapes seem to be greater than ever.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2023

This study aims to explore the significance of historic changes and cultural characteristics of landscape architecture in Korean Seowon. Seowon refers to educational private institutes that also served as Confucian shrines and were prevalent during the mid-to-late Joseon dynasty. Seowon comprised three distinct functional spaces: a shrine, a school, and a garden. The concept of Seowon's garden extended beyond designed landscapes to include the surrounding natural environment. The importance of landscape architecture in Seowon is rooted in its connection to the educational philosophy of these institutes. During the Joseon dynasty, scholars revered nature as a manifestation of Confucian ideals, and they believed that close engagement with nature was integral to self-discipline and learning. This research investigated fifteen relatively well-preserved garden in South Korea and conducted a comprehensive analysis of their gardens. The analysis revealed two key findings. Firstly, gardens in Seowon were actively designed and constructed during the early phase of Seowon culture but gradually diminished after the 17th century. This can be attributed to the shift in Seowon's purpose, with a greater emphasis on its religious function over education. Consequently, the significance and presence of landscape architecture in Seowon, which was closely related with its Confucianist education, declined. Secondly, the study explored the historical backgrounds of each Seowon's landscape architecture and found that many of them were designed or influenced by individuals who were later memorialized and deified in the Seowon's shrines. The landscape architecture created by these predecessors was carefully preserved by the faculties and students as a form of respect. Therefore, landscape architecture in Korean Seowon not only conveys the institutional purpose as an educational hub for the local society but also reflects the institute's strong relationship with the figures they worship as shrines.