Contemplating self in South Korea's 'Garden of Thoughts' with its unique bathrooms

In the quiet expanse of Gunwi County, South Korea, lies Sayuwon, a sprawling garden of 700,000 square meters that invites visitors to embark on a journey of self-reflection. Named after the contemplative Maitreya Bodhisattva, Sayuwon is designed as a space for quiet dialogue with oneself, fostering introspection amidst nature and art.

The garden's unique appeal lies in its thoughtfully curated elements, including seven distinct bathrooms, each offering a different perspective on the most private of human spaces. These bathrooms, alongside a forest dotted with 108 quince trees and various artworks by internationally acclaimed architects and landscape designers, serve as catalysts for thought. Notable contributors include Pritzker Prize winner Álvaro Siza Vieira, Seung Hyo-sang, and Choi Wook, as well as landscape architects like Jung Young-sun and Masanobu Kawagishi.

Sayuwon was conceived and cultivated over 15 years by Yoo Jae-sung, honorary chairman of TC Steel, who opened the space to the public in 2021. Visitors enter through the Chiheomun gate, leading to paths that connect attractions like the outdoor performance venue 'Symphony 6' and the 'Gagabinbin' cafe. The 'Binari-gil' path, meaning 'path to draw blessings,' offers a gentle ascent and presents visitors with choices: to prioritize nature by heading towards 'Palgoncheonghyangdae' or the quince grove 'Pungseolgicheon,' or to focus on architecture by visiting 'Soyowon.'

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We don't tell you where to go. Some people can't take a step without a map, while others choose their own path with a sense of agency.

"We don't tell you where to go," explained cultural guide Kim Su-jeong. "Some people can't take a step without a map, while others choose their own path with a sense of agency." This philosophy of choice extends to the garden's design, where intentional 'inconveniences,' such as needing to retrace steps to see both natural and architectural elements, encourage a more deliberate exploration. The garden offers numerous 'thought-helpers,' including a lake and various architectural pieces, alongside traditional Korean houses, requiring at least four to five hours to appreciate fully, with some visitors suggesting a full day is needed.

Among the architectural highlights is 'Soyowon,' designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira. This subterranean structure, reminiscent of a bomb shelter, uses light and shadow to explore themes of violence, past trauma, and hope. Openings in the walls and ceiling allow sunlight to penetrate, symbolizing not aggression, but communion, negotiation, and dialogue. Inside, visitors encounter a choice between two paths, one representing life and the other death. Nearby stands 'Sodae,' another of Siza Vieira's works, a 20.5-meter structure popular with younger visitors for photos against the backdrop of the garden's forest. 'Naesimnagwon,' a humble prayer and study space, is also by Siza Vieira. The distinctive observation deck 'Myeongjeong,' designed by Seung Hyo-sang, is unique in that visitors descend stairs to reach it, embodying its purpose as a place for self-examination.

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The path to draw blessings.