The Garden of Mountains

The Garden of Mountains (Memorial) honors the noble sacrifices of the 22 nations that supported the Republic of Korea during the Korean War. Each nation is represented as a mountain, symbolizing strength, protection, and endurance, gathered into one collective garden of gratitude and respect.

The memorial is located in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Gate, one of Korea’s most historic and symbolic sites. By placing the project at this prominent location, the design reinforces the cultural and historical depth of Gwanghwamun Square, creating a landmark that connects national memory with civic identity.

More than a commemorative monument, the Garden functions as an open civic space where citizens and visitors can rest, gather, and reflect. Through the integration of landscape and architecture, the project reinterprets the traditional role of mountains in Korean culture—natural forms that sustain life, inspire spirituality, and embody resilience—within a contemporary urban context.

Ultimately, the Garden aspires to create a new kind of mountain that links past, present, and future. It is both a tribute to international solidarity and a reaffirmation of Korean identity. By honoring sacrifice while providing a welcoming civic space, the project stands as a lasting symbol of gratitude, resilience, and unity on a global scale.