Maechang is widely considered one of the three great gisaeng poets of the Joseon period alongside Hwang Jini.
Her given name was Yi Hyang-geum, but she is universally known by her pen name, Maechang.
The park contains a tombstone erected in 1817 by local scholars to preserve the memory of her poetry and life.
Her most famous collection of sijo poems, the 'Maechangjip', provides rare insight into the emotional life and intellectual capacity of a gisaeng in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Maechang Park is a memorial space dedicated to Maechang, a celebrated Joseon-dynasty poet and gisaeng known for her literary talent and devoted love for the scholar Yu Hui-gyeong. The park features a tomb designated as Jeonbuk State Monument No. 65, marking the historic final resting place of the poet. Visitors can walk through landscaped paths that include traditional-style pavilions, stone monuments, and sculptures inspired by her poetry. The site serves as a cultural landmark in Buan, reflecting the regional history of the mid-Joseon period. The grounds are integrated with the local urban environment of Buan-eup and maintain a focus on honoring traditional Korean literature.
The traditional-style pavilion situated near the tombstone and the landscaped pond area.
Bring a copy of her translated poems to read while resting by the monument to better connect with the site's historical context.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding neighborhood to see local Buan architecture.
The park is compact, so prioritize it as a short stop during a larger itinerary in Buan-gun.
Avoid treating the tomb site as a playground; keep paths clear and refrain from climbing on stone structures.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone as the park contains a protected historical tomb site.
