A Frankfurt gem is finally reopened after five long years: The Korean Garden in Grüneburgpark. Since the Morgentau Pavilion and the Plum Arbor were wantonly destroyed by arson in 2017, the garden had been closed to the public. A faithful reconstruction is planned, but proves to be extremely difficult. Therefore, the reopening will not be permanent: as soon as construction work on the Morning Dew Pavilion and the Plum Arbor can finally begin, the garden will be closed again.
The Korean Garden in Grüneburg Park was created in 2005 as part of South Korea's guest country presentation at the Frankfurt Book Fair and is a gift to the city of Frankfurt am Main. For the coordination of the planned reconstruction of the destroyed elements, many consultations took place between the Korean experts and the Frankfurt city administration. Time and again, however, the distance to South Korea and, most recently, the Corona pandemic presented the planners with major challenges. Only a few weeks ago, the lead South Korean delegation for the restoration of the two pavilions had the opportunity to survey the damage. Since the Parks Department is expecting further delays for the reconstruction of the destroyed pavilions, the Korean Garden is now to be opened temporarily. The damaged structures will of course remain cordoned off for safety reasons.
The Korean Garden is an exotic gem laid out in the style of traditional Korean scholars' gardens, which have served as a retreat for artists and intellectuals since the 16th century. It is a place for rest and meditation. The layout of the garden reflects the four seasons from a philosophical point of view. Just inside the main entrance area is the Spring Garden, where scholars waited not only for the spring awakening of nature, but occasionally for the arrival of their guests. The Summer Garden, with the Morning Dew Pavilion built on wooden steles, offers rest and relaxation with its large pond and, according to Korean tradition, is supposed to be a place where man and nature meet. At the highest point is the Autumn Garden, which offers a comprehensive view of autumnal nature. In the winter garden with its small pond, there is the plum arbor pavilion where people can meet to talk.
Until the anticipated start of construction, the following opening hours apply:
from 1. June to August 31 from 7:30 am to 9 pm
from September 1 to October 31 from 7.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
