The Urban Landscape Design of Hanyang (Seoul)

A Harmonious Integration of Authority and Nature

The urban landscape of Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) was not a simple arrangement of buildings and natural features but a meticulously planned integration of palaces, surrounding mountains, major road networks, and city walls. This design aimed to enhance the political, social, and cultural symbolism while maximizing aesthetic effects. Below are the key features of Hanyang’s landscape design.

1. Emphasizing Authority and Symbolism Through Central Axes

The Bukaksan-Gyeongbokgung-Six Ministries Street Axis

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the bŏpkung (法宮) or main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, was constructed with Mount Bugak (Bukaksan) as its backdrop, with Gwanghwamun and Six Ministries Street (now Sejong-ro) extending southward.
This linear axis visually and symbolically connected the royal authority, national rituals, and administrative core, creating a powerful focal point.

Integration of Urban and Natural Axes

Major palace structures (e.g., Geunjeongjeon and Sajeongjeon) were aligned with natural axes connecting Mount Bugak and the Han River, ensuring harmony between man-made structures and the surrounding landscape.
From the palace’s southern view, the city and Han River unfolded, while the northern view revealed Mount Bugak, forming a balanced baesanimsu (背山臨水) landscape.

2. Panoramic Landscapes Using Mountain and Water Features

Mountains Encircling the City

Hanyang was situated in a basin surrounded by Mount Bugak, Inwangsan, Naksan, and Namsan. These mountains served as natural boundaries and defensive structures.
The design allowed the mountains to remain visible from all directions, offering panoramic views for citizens and visitors alike.

Integration of the Han River

The Han River formed the southern boundary of Hanyang, serving as a transport and trade route closely tied to urban activity.
Palaces and government offices were designed with access to the Han River in mind, seamlessly connecting waterways with the cityscape.

3. City Walls and Gates: Framing the Urban Landscape

City Walls as Viewing Routes

The city walls, following the ridges of the surrounding mountains, not only protected the city but also acted as panoramic viewing routes.
Travelers along the wall paths could enjoy sweeping views of Hanyang’s interior and its natural surroundings, a deliberate feature of the urban design.

Symbolism of the Four Main Gates

The four main gates—Sukjeongmun (North Gate), Heunginjimun (East Gate), Sungnyemun (South Gate), and Donuimun (West Gate)—marked the entrances to the city and symbolized transitions between external and internal landscapes.
Entering through these gates revealed carefully planned vistas of palaces, markets, and major roads, allowing visitors to experience Confucian order and urban sophistication.

4. Traditional Architecture and Sightline Planning

Sightlines Within and Beyond Palaces

The placement of palace buildings, courtyards, gates, and corridors was carefully planned to create continuous sightlines, revealing new vistas with each transition.
This architectural approach encouraged viewers to appreciate multiple layers of scenery from various vantage points, embodying traditional East Asian design principles.

Axial Alignment of Gates and Halls

The central axis connecting Gwanghwamun, Heungnyemun, Geunjeongmun, and Geunjeongjeon exemplified this design, where each gate framed the next, emphasizing the hierarchy and solemnity of the royal court.
The background views of mountains and the cityscape from these spaces were deliberately aligned to enhance the grandeur of state ceremonies and royal rituals.

5. Harmony Between Nature and Everyday Spaces

Integration of Streets and Natural Features

The alleyways of Hanyang naturally followed the topography, creating organic neighborhoods where small courtyards allowed residents to enjoy views of surrounding mountains and the sky.
This "city within nature" characteristic extended the visual and experiential harmony of public spaces into private lives.

Gardens and Rear Courts as Scenic Spaces

The Secret Garden (Biwon) of Changdeokgung Palace exemplified this design philosophy, with ponds, pavilions, and small thatched structures integrated into the natural forested landscape.
Respecting natural topography over artificial landscaping reflected traditional aesthetics and a commitment to the unity of humans and nature (in-gan-gwa-ja-yeon-ui-habil).

6. Effects of Deliberate Landscape Design

Visualization of Royal Authority and National Identity

The central axis of palaces, city walls, gates, and surrounding mountains connected the cityscape into a cohesive whole, symbolizing Confucian governance and royal power.
Both foreign envoys and citizens could experience the majesty of the Joseon Dynasty’s authority and values through the city’s structure and vistas.

Improved Living Environment

By utilizing mountains and rivers, and by connecting urban spaces with natural surroundings, the design fostered a pleasant environment and emotional well-being for residents.
Seasonal changes in scenery, viewed from city walls, palace gardens, and neighborhoods, enriched the cultural and recreational lives of the people.

Conclusion

The urban landscape design of Hanyang (Seoul) was characterized by its visualization of royal authority and Confucian political ideals, alongside its respect for natural environments.

Central Axes: The city’s hierarchical and symbolic structure was emphasized through its central axis connecting palaces and administrative centers.
Natural Integration: Mountains and the Han River were actively incorporated into the design to create panoramic views and enhance defensive capabilities.
City Gates and Walls: These elements marked thresholds between external and internal spaces, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Sightline Planning: The arrangement of palaces and sightlines created multilayered vistas, offering a rich visual experience.

Ultimately, Hanyang became a city where large-scale state rituals and the everyday lives of its people were seamlessly connected, embodying the harmony between humanity and nature emphasized in East Asian traditions. This innovative and integrated urban landscape reflects the governance philosophy, aesthetics, and community focus of the Joseon Dynasty.

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