PURPOSE
We gathered under tall cypress trees overlooking a pond on the rough platform of the new Korean Pavilion. We were there to give thanks. It is the Korean tradition before moving forward, they ask for blessings so that the next and final phase of construction will go as well.
Although covered in scaffolding, and surrounded by rugged paths, it was evident that this would be a place of deep reflection, peace and happiness. You could feel it in the solid foundation, and you could see it in the warm smiles of the gifted Korean craftsmen.
According to Wikipedia, San Antonio’s sister city, Kwangju, is the sixth largest city in South Korea. Gwang means ‘light’, and ju means ‘province’.
Designed to facilitate business and cultural friendships between the two cities, the two countries, the pavilion reflects the traditional Korean methods of construction. There are no nails, and the only bolts are to secure the foundation where it sits next to a pond on the Denman Estate Park on Mockingbird Lane.
Master of construction Yu Chang Byung and Hong Hee Lee, Project Manager of the Namkwang Construction Co., have been involved with the $1.2 million project, since its inception. The City of Kwangju provided half of those funds, while Namkwang Construction Co. also contributed to the project.
CRAFT
This final construction phase of the Korean Pavilion included the placement of the main beam so that the roof can be added.
The ceremony, although not religious, embodied wishes for continued success and good fortune through the next phase of the construction. The beam, inscribed the night before by one of the Korean craftsman, gave the date of the building and its location. It is the most significant beam in the building.
The red pine used to build the pavilion was harvested in Canada, then milled in Korea before shipping them here to San Antonio. Master Yu said the process took three years.
The wood itself was chosen because it was the very best. When it arrived in Korea its condition was 99 percent pristine said Master Yu. He pointed to the cracks in the beams. He said the wood is about 100 years old and cannot be matched in strength. And as the wood succumbs to ‘natural aging’ it will become even more beautiful. Master Yu invited the people of our city to visit the pavilion often throughout the years to observe the richly evolving character of the wood…and to recall the friendship forged between San Antonio and Kwangju.
CEREMONY
It is the Korean tradition do a prayer for every tier or phase of the building process. For this ceremony the crew set out an offering of rice cakes, dry fish, persimmons, apples, Korean pears and Korean honey dew – ‘bounty of the earth’.
This was done to assure the continuation of good prospects for the work ahead. But also for the continued good fortune and prosperity of all who were present, and for those who will visit in the days and years to come.
Well-wishers twisted money into the sash that was draped across the opening - a token of good will. Some made wishes for the future, taking 2 1/2 bows in front of the ‘humble’ offering to concrete the deal.
Sr. Alice Holden of the University of the Incarnate Word added that the pavilion would be used for prayer for peace and harmony among all nations.
The workmen had carved out a small niche in the beam. There, for posterity, they stowed the names of all who had worked or contributed to the project, the inception date of the building, and well wishes.
Though treated as honored guests at this informal ceremony, everyone was encouraged to participate. Be it by making a small monetary offering, partaking of a slice of rice cake, making prayerful bows, or by taking a turn at sitting on the wooden beam before it ascended into its lofty rooftop position, one felt a mutuality of respect. Listening to the laughter, especially of the craftsmen, but also of project leaders and guests instilled a sense of joy, a lightness of being.
PROPITIOUS FUTURE
Master Yu said the setting and location of the pavilion is propitious and could not be better. I was told that in the Asian culture when a home is built in the right location all inhabitants and their descendants would be blessed with prosperity. It is a good thought – that all who visit this graceful pavilion will go away blessed. Here it feels true.
In 2008 the University of the Incarnate Word bought almost 8 acres of land from the City of San Antonio at this site that was once part of the estate of the late Gilbert Denman Jr. While UIW owns the 3-story mansion and land across the street, the city holds the remainder of the land, with plans to develop it into a park. Right now, there is an asphalt trail that circles the pond, and there are a few picnic tables sitting under shady trees.
On June 4, the construction phase will be completed. That is when the Korean artists arrive to paint the pavilion. The project is expected to be finished by the end of July. Then, sometime in August they will hold the grand opening for the Korean Pavilion at the Denman Estate Park. You will want to be there for that blessing.
