The Heavenly Garden in Okcheon, South Korea, has opened as a therapeutic space designed to provide emotional healing for visitors [1, 2].
This initiative addresses the growing prevalence of mental fatigue and inner wounds among modern populations. By intentionally slowing the pace of the visitor experience, the garden aims to transform the act of walking into a process of reflection and recovery.
Joo Seo-taek, the director of the "Healing Gardener" at the site, oversees the garden's operations [1, 2]. The space is structured to contrast with the rapid pace of contemporary life, encouraging guests to linger and observe their surroundings rather than rushing through the landscape.
According to the garden's design philosophy, the true scenery of the environment only reveals itself when a person reduces their speed [1]. This approach uses nature as a tool for psychological restoration, offering a sanctuary for those burdened by the pressures of daily existence.
The facility emphasizes the connection between physical movement and mental state [1, 2]. By navigating the garden's specific layouts, visitors are prompted to shift their focus from external deadlines to internal well-being.
Joo said the garden serves as a place where people can slow down and experience emotional healing [1, 2]. The integration of therapeutic gardening practices allows the site to function as more than a traditional park, acting instead as a resource for mental health support through environmental interaction.
“The true scenery of the environment only reveals itself when a person reduces their speed.”
The establishment of the Heavenly Garden reflects a broader trend in East Asia toward 'slow living' and nature-based therapy to combat burnout. By formalizing the role of a 'Healing Gardener,' the project suggests a shift toward treating environmental interaction as a structured psychological intervention rather than simple recreation.
