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H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden, Arkansas Valley Travel Guide

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A serene Korean garden and gate in downtown Little Rock honoring martial arts and cultural exchange between South Korea and the USA.

The H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden in downtown Little Rock is a tranquil and beautiful space that honors Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee, the founder of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). It symbolizes the friendship between South Korea and the United States, showcasing Korean craftsmanship and offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle.

A brief summary to H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden.

  • Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to enjoy the garden's beauty without the downtown crowds.
  • Take your time to explore the various statues and artifacts, each holding unique symbolism related to Korean culture and Taekwondo.
  • Check out the informational signs to learn more about the significance of the plants and features within the garden.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in downtown Little Rock, walking to the H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden is straightforward. Head towards E Markham St. The garden is at 101 E Markham St, a short walk from most downtown hotels. The walk should take about 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Rock Region Metro provides bus services to downtown Little Rock. Take any route that stops near Main Street or Capitol Avenue. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to 101 E Markham St. Check the bus schedule ahead of time. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • RideShare

    Consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Input 'H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden' as your destination, and a driver will pick you up from your location in Arkansas Valley. The cost will vary depending on the distance to 101 E Markham St.

  • Driving

    If driving, head towards Downtown Little Rock. Depending on your starting point in Arkansas Valley, take I-30 N or US-65 N. Once you reach the downtown area, look for Markham Street. The H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden is located at 101 E Markham St. There is street parking available nearby, but be mindful of parking meters that may incur a charge.

Discover more about H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden

Nestled in the heart of downtown Little Rock, the H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden offers a serene escape that beautifully blends Korean culture and nature. This unique landmark pays tribute to Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee, the founder of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), which has been headquartered in Little Rock since 1977. The garden features a striking gate constructed in the Hongsalmun style by South Korean artisans, incorporating traditional Korean colors representing the five cardinal elements of Um-Yang: blue (wood), red (fire), yellow (earth), white (metal), and black (water). The gate's walls are made of Arkansas River Rock, with clay tile roofing from South Korea, symbolizing the fusion of cultures. Two Korean Foo Dog statues guard the entrance, leading into a contemplative garden.Inside, visitors can explore various statues and artifacts, including a bust of Grand Master Lee, the Staff of the Flying Dragon, and Harubang statues gifted from Cheju Island. A Songahm Star-shaped reflecting pool and a nine-foot fountain add to the peaceful ambiance. The Wall of Vision pays tribute to Songahm Taekwondo instructors. The garden serves as an educational space, highlighting H.U. Lee's contributions and the values of discipline and respect.

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