Restoring Beauty: Cultural Values in Korea’s Natural Spaces

Before leaving Gangneung, we took a guided tour through the Gyeongpo Prickly Water Lily Wetland, a space that blends ecological restoration with thoughtful landscape design. As we followed the winding path, we encountered several modern sculptures placed against the natural scenery. This contrast highlighted the effort to create a space that is both educational and visually engaging.

Our guide introduced us to the various plant species native to the area and explained the ongoing work to protect and restore them. The wetland is named after the prickly water lily, a plant whose Korean name means "good luck to you." After disappearing from the ecosystem for many years, the plant has recently returned. Its reappearance is seen as a symbol of the wetland’s successful restoration.

This is one of several ecological projects in Korea focused on environmental recovery. A similar example is the Cheonggyecheon River in Seoul, where a former highway was replaced with a natural stream and pedestrian corridor. These efforts reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability and quality of life within Korean cities.

The wetland path flowed naturally through the landscape, and each turn introduced a new plant or feature. One small bridge even had the option of crossing by rope-pulled boat, adding an interactive element to the walk. These kinds of thoughtful touches made the visit feel intentional and well designed. In many public spaces in Korea, there seems to be attention not only to function but also to how people experience and move through them.

Later in the day, we visited Jeongdong Simgok Badabuchae gil, a walking trail that once served as a military guard post. Now a public pathway, it stretches 2.86 kilometers (1.77 miles) along coastal cliffs, offering dramatic views of the East Sea. The trail’s transformation from a restricted area into a place of recreation shows how Korea continues to reimagine its landscapes in ways that are both meaningful and accessible.

Looking back on the day, I was struck by how these places were designed to support both ecological health and public enjoyment. The focus on preserving natural elements while also making them welcoming to explore reflects a design approach that considers both the environment and the experience of the people in it.