On a crisp November morning in Seoul, the weather suddenly turned cold, but the air became noticeably fresher. We drove from Seoul to Icheon, a city in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, renowned for its traditional crafts. After a two-hour journey, we reached the home of Honggu Park and spent a delightful day with him and his family, a party of three.
Honggu Park, a renowned master of woodworking in South Korea, has gained recognition in the European design market. His works were not only exhibited at the Define Seoul exhibition in October 2023 but were also acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in the same year. Over 38 years of artistic exploration, he has crafted a unique narrative at the intersection of tradition and innovation, pioneering the Abstract Tanhwa technique.
- Words: Mia
- Photos: CHENXIANCHAO
Park is known for his easygoing and friendly nature, remaining undisturbed by external influences in his artistic exploration. His residence, strategically avoiding the bustling city center of Seoul, is located in the sparsely populated Icheon. Set amidst the fields, his home stands out prominently, being the only preserved century-old Hanok (traditional Korean house) in the locality.
Park's home is divided into three main parts: a creative workshop, an exhibition hall, and a living space. The creative workshop is equipped with all the tools and wood that Park uses during his work. In comparison to other artists, we refer to Park as a naturally gifted player. He is easygoing and friendly, unaffected by external disturbances, steadfast in his internal exploration and creative pursuits, and adept at capturing those moments of inspiration that are uniquely his own.
