An Idyllic Picture of Harmony Between Man and Nature: Research on Waterscape Design and Construction in Soswaewon, South Korea

Soswaewon was the seclusion villa garden of Liang Shanfu, a scholar in the mid-Joseon Dynasty and a representative classical garden in South Korea. It was built with typical gardening techniques to adapt to the local conditions, express feelings with mountains and waters ( Shan Shui ) and blend feelings and scenes. According to 48 Pictorial Odes to Soswaewon and field surveys, this research summarizes the spatial layout of the garden, and analyzes the unique waterscape design and construction ideas from the aspects of water source and tail, shape, water dynamics, ecology, soundscape, and implications. A perfect integration of ecologic, artistic and meaningful landscape was finally created. It provides a case for reference in the waterscape construction and maintenance of gardens.