Historical places #5 in Wonju

Pak Kyongni House, Pak Kyongni Literary Park

4.3 · 743 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Pak Kyongni House, Pak Kyongni Literary Park, Weonju, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

Pak Kyongni lived in this house for 18 years, during which she completed the final volumes of her epic novel 'Toji'.

2

The author personally cultivated the garden on the property, planting trees and flowers that are still maintained today.

3

The park was established to commemorate her profound influence on Korean modern literature and her contribution to Wonju's cultural identity.

4

The house retains original features and interior layouts used by the author, rather than being a modern reconstruction.

5

The site includes a 'Literature Museum' that preserves the specific room where the author spent her days writing.

6

The surrounding landscape is often described as an extension of the author's writing desk, featuring walking paths she frequently used for reflection.

Overview

Pak Kyongni House serves as the preserved residence of the celebrated South Korean novelist, famous for her epic multi-volume saga 'Toji'. The site functions as the centerpiece of the Pak Kyongni Literary Park in Wonju, reflecting the environment where the author lived and worked for nearly two decades. Visitors can explore the traditional Korean-style house, the author's personal garden, and the surrounding trails that inspired her writing. The grounds feature a dedicated exhibition hall displaying her manuscripts, correspondence, and personal belongings. The preservation maintains the authenticity of the living space, offering insight into the author's daily life during her most productive writing years. The property is integrated into a landscape designed to mirror the natural scenery described in her literature.

Photo spot

The wooden veranda overlooking the author's private garden.

Insider tips

Walk the perimeter trail behind the house for views that inspired descriptions in the author's later works.

Visit the small exhibition hall first to gain context on the timeline of the author's life in Wonju before touring the residence.

Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the garden paths and uneven terrain around the estate.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to touch or move the personal artifacts displayed inside the house; avoid wandering off marked paths in the garden area.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and major Korean public holidays.

Etiquette

Remove footwear before entering the interior of the house; maintain a quiet voice as the site is a place of respect.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-autumn, when the foliage in the garden turns vibrant colors and the temperature is mild for walking.
Address
Pak Kyongni House, Pak Kyongni Literary Park, Weonju, South Korea
37.322, 127.959
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsOriginal manuscripts of 'Toji', personal correspondence, and the author's writing desk

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-autumn, when the foliage in the garden turns vibrant colors and the temperature is mild for walking..

The wooden veranda overlooking the author's private garden.

Close by you'll find 단관공원, Gangwon Gamyeong Provincial Office, History Museum of Wonju.