Gangneung’s Tradition

Strolling Like a Dreamer

Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park

• Among the prominent literary figures of Gangneung, 'Heo Gyun (1569-1618)' and 'Heo Nanseolheon (1563-1589)' stand out for their extraordinary accomplishments. History regards them as geniuses of the Joseon Dynasty, but they were also innate dreamers who envisioned their own unique aspirations. Heo Gyun dreamed of creating an ideal nation by publishing 'The Tale of Hong Gildong,' the first Korean novel. His sister, Heo Nanseolheon, wrote poems of exquisite beauty during her short life, yearning for a world beyond the human realm. What was the source of their exceptional talents? To find the answer, visit the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park in Chodang-dong.



• The Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park is dedicated to honoring the innovative ideas of Heo Gyun, a scholar-official and rebel of the mid-Joseon period, and the cultural achievements of Heo Nanseolheon, recognized as the greatest female writer of her time. As you enter the park, you're greeted by the elegant Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall, showcasing the grandeur of traditional Korean architecture.






• The Memorial Hall exhibits miniatures depicting the lives of Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon. You can explore materials related to 'The Tale of Hong Gildong' by Heo Gyun, as well as the rich world of Heo Nanseolheon's works. For a special souvenir, you can make a rubbing of a passage from 'The Tale of Hong Gildong.'



• Leaving the Memorial Hall, you'll come across a monument inscribed with poems by the Heo family's Five Literary Masters. Besides Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon, their brothers Heo Seong and Heo Bong, and their father Heo Yeop were all talented writers, collectively known as the 'Heo Family's Five Literary Masters.' As you walk examining the inscriptions, you'll encounter a traditional house with beautiful tiled roofs.

• This 'Chodang Traditional House,' while its exact construction date is unknown, is famous as Heo Nanseolheon's birthplace. The house still preserves elements of traditional Korean life, including jars for fermenting, a hearth, and a well.






• Heo Nanseolheon's birthplace is nestled in a lush forest, offering diverse seasonal views beyond its walls. One wonders what kind of childhood Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon spent here. Perhaps their literary sensibilities grew alongside them in this house surrounded by a serene and beautiful forest.



• Leaving Heo Nanseolheon's birthplace, you're overwhelmed by the dense pine forest. Walking along the winding path through the trees, your mind becomes tranquil. Surrounded by natural sounds - wind rustling leaves, birds chirping, squirrels scurrying - you momentarily forget your complex daily life.



• The forest is a space where dreams can grow. It stimulates imagination and inspires. So it's not surprising that there was once a library here. Heo Gyun, an avid reader, built a villa by Gyeongpo Lake and established Korea's first private library, 'Hoseo Jangseogak.' Now, only a signboard reminds us of the library's existence.






• After exploring the park, you can relax with a cup of tea at the traditional tea experience center. Here, you can taste tea and experience a traditional tea ceremony, fully appreciating the charm of traditional tea.



• The scent of pine mingles with the subtle tea fragrance, creating a fragrant moment. In that moment, you can indulge in beautiful dreams. There's no reason not to dream at the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park.
• • Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall
  • Opening Hours : 09:00–18:00(Closed on Mondays)
  • Admission Fee : Free
  • Inquiry : +82-33-640-4798
  
  
  • Traditional Tea Experience Center
  • Operating Hours : Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00–17:00 (Lunch break 12:00–13:00)
  • Experience Fee : Tea Tasting(2,000 won), Traditional Tea Ceremony Experience(7,000 won)
  • Reservation : +82-33-640-4466