The Saemangeum (SMG) is a historical and ecological place with a variety of stories.
However, after the completion of seawall construction, tidal flat started desertification and fishermen who depended on the seas for their livelihood began to lose their living foundation, traditional culture, and their stories. In addition, existing master plans related to SMG arboretum have not satisfied the ecological and cultural functions of SMG. Consequently, the needs for a space to function as eco-cultural healing have risen in SMG.
The purpose of this study is to explore the storytelling technique for presenting the concept plan of The National Sae Man Geum (SMG) Arboretum.
Mattew Potteiger (1998) suggested a storytelling method as a cultural space design method and clarified storytelling method through Context, Site, Discourse Story.
This study was performed in three steps according to the previously suggested storytelling technique.
In Discourse stage (step 1), this study provides space design elements and storytelling techniques to SMG arboretum. Additionally, culture and design trends about worldwide arboretum and storytelling of local arboretum were investigated through literature review.
In Context stage (step 2), definitions and characteristics of coastal fish shelter forest were examined through literature review and field works.
Mahan mythology in Saemangeum and the Pan Yellow Sea Region’s coastal culture were applied to positioning SMG Arboretum site. Also, the tradition fishing techniques of the Saemangeum fishermen, environmental conditions, and vegetation structure were investigated to create fish shelter forest.
In Site design stage (step 3), research about salt marsh and environmental constraints of the SMG Arboretum were reviewed to understand site specific environment in SMG Arboretum. Moreover, existing plans and regulations regarding SMG were analyzed to reveal deficiency and existence of story themes.
As a result of three step storytelling method, this study suggested arboretum design elements, design concept process, and long term scenario based on ecological succession,
At last, this study proposes the implementation of fish shelter forest and gradual succession to establish the eco-cultural restoration of entire Saemanguem area. Based on this research, we were able to offer a suitable restoration modeling for reclamation site and coastal areas.
The limitations of this study are as follow;
Firstly, this study is focused on southern coastal shores therefore, future research should expand its regional boundaries to investigate the eco-cultural restoration method of various fish shelter forest. Secondly, this study is primarily applied Mattew Potteiger’s storytelling method but we need to investigate more various storytelling approaches to develop eco-cultural restoration method.

＊Key words : Saemangeum, Arboretum, Storytelling method, Fish shelter forest, Windbreak forest, Seawater circulation, Succession , salt marsh, Landscape Narrative