Korean Cultural Center New York Celebrates Opening of New York’s First Korean Traditional Garden
Designed by Jihae Hwang, Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalist, Inspired by Soswaewon Garden in Jeollanam-do
The Korean Cultural Center New York (Director Kim Cheonsu) hosted a commemorative event on October 25 to announce the completion of “Aeyangdan,” the first and only Korean traditional garden in New York. Located on the second floor of the Cultural Center, the garden is a creation of Jihae Hwang, a world-renowned garden designer and three-time gold medalist at the Chelsea Flower Show, with the support of Jeollanam-do Province.
The event gathered over 100 attendees, including Kim Yeong-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do; Kim Cheonsu, Director of the Korean Cultural Center New York; Jihae Hwang, garden designer; and Annie Phaosawasdi, Chair of the American Society of Landscape Architects, New York Chapter, to celebrate the grand opening of the Aeyangdan Garden.
The garden project began last January when Governor Kim Yeong-rok visited the U.S. to promote agricultural exports and traditional Namdo cuisine, such as kimchi. During a conversation with Director Kim Cheonsu, the director proposed establishing a Korean traditional garden at the newly relocated Cultural Center in New York, inspired by Jeollanam-do’s renowned garden culture, highlighted during the 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo. Governor Kim accepted the proposal enthusiastically, paving the way for the creation of the garden on the Center's second-floor terrace.
Jihae Hwang dedicated herself to designing the garden, aiming to showcase the elegance of Korean traditional gardens and the serene beauty of Jeollanam-do’s landscapes. The garden takes inspiration from Aeyangdan, a pavilion within Soswaewon Garden in Damyang, Jeollanam-do, considered one of the finest traditional gardens in Korea.
The Aeyangdan Garden features over 100 plant species, including more than 500 trees and shrubs such as Cornus officinalis (Japanese cornelian cherry), Zelkova serrata, Clematis armandii, and Rhododendron. Throughout the garden, elements such as traditional salt jars and a water well are strategically placed, offering a modest yet authentic representation of Korean folk culture. The garden’s signature Aeyangdan wall was constructed by Korean craftsmen using traditional roof tiles, preserving the authenticity and beauty of Korean heritage.
Director Kim Cheonsu expressed his gratitude to Jeollanam-do, saying, “We are deeply thankful to Jeollanam-do for helping us create a Korean traditional garden in the heart of New York City. We will promote this space to share Korea’s rich garden culture with the world.” Governor Kim Yeong-rok added, “We hope this garden serves as a bridge between Korea and New York, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. May it become a beloved space where people can experience the beauty of Jeollanam-do’s garden culture firsthand.”
Location: Korean Cultural Center New York, 2nd Floor
122 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Opening Hours: Same as the visiting hours of the Korean Cultural Center New York
Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM