Soswaewon in Damyang – A Garden I First Saw in a Movie
The first time I heard the name Soswaewon (소쇄원) was through the film “Late Autumn (가을로)”.
There was a quiet scene where the characters walked through a serene garden, and for some reason it stayed with me. Ever since, I kept thinking that one day, I’d like to see it in person.
When I finally visited, Soswaewon looked almost exactly as it did on screen. It’s not a flashy tourist attraction but a garden that follows the valley’s flow in the most natural way. The sound of running water is constant, and bamboo trees line the path, making every step feel calm and grounded.
Even before stepping inside, the moss-covered stone wall and humble wooden gate made it clear that this place was not about grandeur, but about quiet, natural beauty.
Inside the garden are a few small pavilions with poetic names like Jewoldang (제월당) and Gwangpunggak (광풍각). These were once used by scholars to read, write poetry, or welcome guests.
Sitting inside Jewoldang (제월당), I could understand why the scholars loved this spot for reflection. The way the breeze moved through the trees and sunlight filtered onto the floor made it a place I didn’t want to leave quickly.
Soswaewon (소쇄원) isn’t large. A slow walk around the garden takes about half an hour, but to rush through would be missing the point. There are benches and shaded corners where you can pause, and before you know it, an hour has already gone by.
What struck me most was how little the garden felt “designed.” It doesn’t fight against nature but accepts its flow. That’s why, instead of feeling ornate, it feels simple-and that simplicity lingers long after you leave.
There are no big events or spectacles here. But standing in the same garden I once saw in a movie, the memory of that scene and my real experience overlapped. It gave me a quiet but genuine sense of fulfillment. If you’re ever in Damyang, Soswaewon (소쇄원) is worth a visit-not for excitement, but for a slow walk, a clear head, and a reminder of what it feels like to pause.