• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.29-39
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• 2021

This study interpreted a traditional garden of Korea through reception aesthetics. The 'gap' of acceptable aesthetics is found in the 'distance that occurs between writers and readers'. This study aims to interpret this gap between what the writer intends and what the reader expects. Boundaries do not limit traditional spaces in Korea and, therefore, are not limited by characteristics. These characteristics were studied from the perspectives of the author, the work, and the reader. The aspect first looked at the life and ideas of the gardener, the second analyzed the form and structure of the garden, and the last examined writings, from the past and present, of those who appreciated the garden. From the author's perspective, Sosoewon was understood as a garden that embodied the philosophy of Yang Sanbo. Second, the duality and indeterminateness were recognized as two characteristics of this work; artifacts in the garden were arranged in a natural form, and the gardens have indefinite boundaries, so they can be freely expanded and reduced. Finally, from the reader's perspective, it was noted that the beauty of this garden is enhanced through poetry, painting, and writing. Thus, historic gardens of Korea can be open spaces where the meaning of the garden is enriched through the free participation of viewers based on their own ideas.