Sustainable Landscapes in the Traditional Korean Residential Environment: Focus on the Joseon Dynasty

Abstract

This study examines the sustainable landscapes displayed in traditional Korean houses of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) by investigating urban agricultural practices implemented in the palace, private houses, and an imaginary garden (Uiwon). Currently popular productive gardening applications, such as urban agriculture, productive landscapes, and edible landscapes, also formed the backbone of the traditional Korean housing environment in the Joseon Dynasty, which has had substantial implications for today’s landscaping practices. Landscapes that are productive rather than decorative are important for environmentally sound and sustainable development not only for South Korea but also for modern housing design worldwide. This research provides concrete discussions of the definition and range of urban agriculture, agricultural methods, and principal agents of gardening-related businesses. This information advances the cultural conversation as well as the understanding and application of gardening in the modern context. Through a comparison of traditional and modern South Korean housing environments, this study contributes to developing the research on the role of gardens in sustainable landscapes.