We have increasing number of new ponds planned and designed in traditional styles. However, many of the stoneworks at the edges of those new ponds are not the characteristics of our traditional ponds. This study is aiming at surveying and analysing the building techniques of Korean traditional water edges built with stones, by investigating selected ponds in royal palace gardens. This study was conducted through field investigation and literature reviews. Nine ponds from Gyongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, and Changgyong Palace, which have many well-preserved ponds of various styles, were surveyed. First of all, the building materials (stones), or the kinds and sizes of stones used for the edges of ponds were surveyed. Secondly, construction methods, or the height and techniques of buildings stone walls were surveyed. Major findings were, first, the edges of most ponds constructed with granite Jangdaeseok, usually 120cm-140cm long, and 30cm-40cm thick. The only exceptions were those ponds which seemed to have been influenced by Japanese style. Second, typical pond ages were up-right vertical walls. Granite jangdaeseoks were piled-up 2 stories or up to six stories. Exceptions were Bandoji Pond and Chundangji Pond which had been constructed during latest period(King 'Ghojong' period). Third, heith of stone walls were between 60cm and 220cm. The depth of ponds were about 150cm or less, and the rest of the edge wall height was freeboard. Though the results of this study was not made by precise investigation and actual measurement, they could be fundamental information and data for the traditional styles of the Chosun dynasty Palace. It is believed that continuous researches on this matter will result in important and fundamental data of the establishment of traditional water edges.
