“The Most Beautiful Things Must Be Observed by Kneeling”: Kim Bong-chan [Critique]

In the heart of Jeju's Hyodon village lies 'Beke Garden,' a testament to landscape architect Kim Bong-chan's profound connection with nature and his innovative approach to ecological design. Once a 40-year-old tangerine orchard, the land has been meticulously reimagined into a naturalistic sanctuary, a space where the cycles of life and decay are not just tolerated but celebrated. This transformation, from a livelihood-sustaining farm to a haven for diverse plant species, reflects a deeply personal journey for Kim, who sought to create a space where he could witness the full life cycle of his creations.

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The most beautiful things must be observed by kneeling.

Kim Bong-chan, known for his work on prominent projects like Amore Seongsu and Hannam Monoha, felt a growing disconnect from the ephemeral nature of his commissioned works. The desire to nurture a space from its inception to maturity led him to his ancestral land. The decision to replace the tangerine trees, the very source of his family's past prosperity, with native species like Pieris japonica and magnolias, initially caused a stir in the local community. However, Kim's vision transcended mere aesthetics; it was about converting land for sustenance into land for life, preserving elements of the past, such as the remnants of the tangerine warehouse, as a tribute to his heritage.

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The goal of the forest is beauty.

The garden's name, 'Beke,' refers to the piles of stones unearthed during cultivation, a nod to the raw materials that form the garden's foundation. The design itself is a masterclass in subtle integration, guiding visitors through a sequence of light and shadow, openness and enclosure, culminating in the ethereal 'Moss Garden.' Kim's philosophy, encapsulated in his words, "The most beautiful things must be observed by kneeling," invites a profound sense of humility and awe. It is this perspective, valuing the lowliest of plants and the quiet persistence of life, that distinguishes Beke Garden as more than just a landscape; it is a living, breathing ecosystem.

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The most revolutionary democracy for coexistence.

From a South Korean perspective, where rapid development often prioritizes modernization, Kim Bong-chan's work offers a vital counter-narrative. It champions a return to natural principles, emphasizing sustainability and the intrinsic value of ecological balance. The garden serves as a powerful reminder that human intervention in nature should be one of reverence and careful stewardship, not domination. Beke Garden is not merely a beautiful space; it is a philosophical statement, a 'wild home for life,' and a profound expression of coexistence, embodying the 'collective intelligence of the forest'—a concept that resonates deeply in a culture that has long revered the natural world.

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A garden that makes you want to visit when it rains and want to go when the wind blows, a garden that makes you pray without a cross.