Landscape Characteristics of Flower Beds Along the Nae-oe-dam (Wall) of Traditional Korean Houses in Gyeongsangbuk-do

Background and objective: <i>Hwadan</i> (flower beds) established along <i>nae-oe-dam</i>—walls or fences constructed within traditional Korean houses—are similar landscape facilities to <i>hwa-o</i> (花塢), which are flower beds typically found in the <i>sarang-madang</i> (men’s quarters courtyard) of such houses. However, little to no research in the field of landscape architecture has specifically examined <i>hwadan</i> adjacent to <i>nae-oe-dam</i> (hereinafter referred to as <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i>). Despite their significance as a landscape feature in traditional residential spaces, the landscape value of <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> remains underappreciated, leading to the gradual loss of their original form through artificial replacement of plant species and demolition. In response, this study aimed to investigate the landscape characteristics and cultural value of <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> in traditional Korean houses.Methods: A comprehensive survey was conducted on 309 traditional houses in Gyeongsangbuk-do, including 304 cultural heritage-designated houses and 5 non-designated ones, to identify 20 sites containing <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> as research subjects. Based on field survey data, the location, function, form, size, and flora (plant species composition) of the <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> were analyzed. From this analysis, their landscape characteristics were identified.Results: <i>Nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> were installed along <i>nae-oe-dam</i> in various areas of traditional houses, including the <i>sarang-madang</i>, <i>an-madang</i> (women’s quarters courtyard), <i>haengrang-madang</i> (servants’ quarters or annex courtyard), and backyards. Among these, the highest installation rate was observed in the <i>sarang-madang</i>, with <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> present in 13 of the 20 research sites. These <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> function both as a visual screen, reinforced by the planted trees, and as a landscape element contributing to the overall aesthetic of gardens. Furthermore, <i>nae-oe-dam</i> were also installed in houses constructed during the Japanese colonial period following the end of the Joseon Dynasty, and <i>hwadan</i> were incorporated into these walls for landscape use. Notably, the <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> located in the <i>an-madang</i> featured a variety of plantings, including trees, reflecting a shift in the traditional custom of not planting vegetation in the <i>an-madang</i> of Korean houses. Two distinct types of <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> were identified: one-sided and double-sided. The “one-sided” type was typically installed along linear (“ㅡ”-shaped) <i>nae-oe-dam</i> and most commonly featured a rectangular layout. In contrast, “double-sided” <i>hwadan</i> were arranged to surround the <i>nae-oe-dam</i>, resulting in irregular forms not seen in conventional flower bed designs. A total of 58 plant species from 34 families were identified in the <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i>. The most frequently planted tree species was <i>Campsis grandiflora</i>, suggesting that both functional considerations—such as privacy enhancement—and landscape aspect were taken into account in the planting design. In terms of planting techniques, solitary planting of climbing plants and trees was most commonly used to reinforce visual screening, while cluster or mixed planting of shrubs and herbs was employed for landscape enhancement.Conclusion: The plant species selected for <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i> hwadan were found to differ from those used in conventional <i>hwa-o</i> of traditional houses, with a clear emphasis on enhancing visual screening. Species with long flowering periods and vibrant blossoms were primarily chosen, indicating that aesthetic value was also an important consideration in addition to functional intent. Furthermore, the <i>hwadan</i> installed on both sides of <i>nae-oe-dam</i> exhibited diverse forms not commonly seen in traditional settings. The findings showed that <i>nae-oe-dam hwadan</i>, previously overlooked as formal landscape elements in traditional Korean houses, possess various, distinctive landscape characteristics. Although their installation rate was low, they hold significant value as rare and specialized features within the traditional garden landscape.