The 4,800-square-metre Korean Garden (Koreanischer Garten) in the Grüneburg Park (Grüneburgpark) originated as part of South Korea’s presentation as the guest of honour at the 2005 Frankfurt Book Fair, and was a gift to the city of Frankfurt am Main. This exotic treasure has been designed in the style of traditional Korean scholars’ gardens, which since the 16th century have served as havens for artists and intellectuals. The garden should therefore also be a refuge for resting and meditation for residents of Frankfurt.
Next to two impressive pavilions, which were made from Korean materials, there are two square ponds with round islands. Each element in the design has a serious symbolic meaning and corresponds to Far Eastern philosophies. This also relates to the selection of plants, since, for example, pines, bamboo trees and plum trees are symbols of long life.
The arrangement of the Korean Garden reflects the four seasons from a philosophical point of view. The spring garden is located right in the main entry area. Here scholars not only await the springtime reawakening of nature, but also sometimes the arrival of their guests. The summer garden, with a “morning dew pavilion” built on wooden columns, offers recuperation and relaxation with its large pond. In the Korean tradition, it is meant to be a place for the meeting between man and nature. The autumn garden is in the highest position, and allows for a comprehensive view of autumnal nature. The winter garden has a small pond and also contains the “plum arbour pavilion”, where people can meet to talk, warmed by the traditional “Ondol” floor-heating system.
In this way, this impressive gift from the Koreans to their hosts brings Frankfurt residents closer to the “Land of Morning Calm” during each season of the year.