The Changes of Panseokbo in Seyeonji Pond at Yun Seon-do's Garden on Bogildo Island

The Changes of Panseokbo in Seyeonji Pond at Yun Seon-do's Garden on Bogildo Island

Background and objective: In the academia, controversy over the transformation of Panseokbo has continued. Methods: To analyze changes in the name, shape, and structure of Panseokbo from the 1970s to 2021, a survey was conducted based on reliable data including excavation, repair and maintenance reports. Academic papers and books were also reviewed where additional fact-checking was required. Results: The results of the study are as follows. First, “Panseokbo” was called by different names from the 1970s to the 1990s, including “Gul-ttuk-da-ri,” “Mul-mak-ee Jebang,” “Seokje” and “Panseok Jebang.” Since then, “Panseokbo” has been established as its proper name. By examining the origin of its name through Bogildoji (甫吉島識, 18C), it was found that Panseokbo had a distinct character of “Je (隄)” which served as both a bridge and an embankment, not “Bo (洑)” which was simply installed for the purpose of watering rice fields. Second, Panseokbo was severely damaged in 1972, so the exact plane shape could not be confirmed, but in 1981, data showed a greatly curved shape downstream. In particular, a triangular flagstone was used to connect the bent central part. After that, in the 1984 data, the triangular top stone disappeared, and the plane shape changed to a gentle curve toward the upstream. This shape was transformed into a much straighter line than in 1984 during the renovation in 1990. The current plane shape of Panseokbo has been maintained since it was repaired in 1990. Third, considering various environmental factors including quantity and depth of water storage, direction of streamflow, water pressure, and frequency of overflowing, Panseokbo was designed to have a structure in which “L”-shaped cutouts were made on side stones and upper stones were placed on them. In addition, as a large number of seokchok holes were found on natural bedrocks around Seyeonji pond and the east end of Panseokbo, it seems that seokchoks were used as a binding joint for far more members than those currently identified in the central part. Conclusion: Therefore, the results of this study are expected to contribute to setting the direction for future repair and maintenance of Panseokbo, and to establish the traditional manufacturing method or technology of landscaping facilities.