“Aeyangdan Garden” - New York’s First Korean Traditional Garden
Co-presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York and Jeollanam-do Province
Designed by Jihae Hwang, Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalist, Inspired by Soswaewon Garden in Jeollanam-do
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
The Korean Cultural Center New York(KCCNY) presented a commemorative event on October 25th to announce the completion of “Aeyangdan,” the first and only Korean traditional garden in New York. Located on the second floor of the KCCNY, the garden was created by Jihae Hwang, a world-renowned garden designer and three-time gold medalist at the Chelsea Flower Show, with the support of Jeollanam-do Province.
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.