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The Real Flower Behind Kim You-jeong's Camellias: A Literary Journey Through Chuncheon

Hello, this is JIRO!

It's been a while since our last post. We hope you've been doing well.

Today, we'd like to introduce Chuncheon through one of Korea's most beloved literary classics, Camellias by Kim You-jeong. Let's discover the real flower behind the story and explore the places that inspired it!


Did you know? The flower in Kim You-jeong's Korean classic Camellias is actually a Korean spicebush flower?
Did you know?
The flower in Kim You-jeong's Korean classic Camellias is actually a Korean spicebush flower?

Why is the story called Camellias?
Why is the story called Camellias?

In the Gangwon region, 
people once called the Korean spicebush, 
which blooms with small yellow flowers 
in early spring, "mountain camellia."
Because true camellias were rare there, Kim You-jeong used this local name as the title of his story.

One of the Most Famous Scenes in the Story
One of the Most Famous Scenes in the Story

"Bet you don't have this at your house!"
Jeomsuni teases the boy almost every day.
She starts chicken fights,
throws potatoes at him,
and picks on him whenever she can.
Yet behind her playful teasing,
the author reveals the feelings she cannot express.

More Than Just Teasing
More Than Just Teasing

Jeomsuni, the young girl in the story, constantly teases the boy.

She starts chicken fights,
throws potatoes at him,
and always finds ways to pick on him.

But behind her mischievous behavior,
Kim You-jeong reveals her hidden feelings.

Visit Chuncheon,  the hometown of Kim You-jeong!
Visit Chuncheon,  the hometown of Kim You-jeong!

Chuncheon is home to Gimyujeong Station,
a railway station named after the author.

Around the station lies Sille Village,
where you can visit the Kim You-jeong Literary Village,
his birthplace, and the rural scenery that inspired his stories.

Walking through the village, you might even feel as if Jeomsuni and the young boy from the story are still there.


Just across the street from Gimyujeong Station begins Chuncheon's literary trail!

Just across the street from Gimyujeong Station begins Chuncheon's literary trail!

Kim You-jeong Literary Village
Discover the life and works of Kim You-jeong.

Explore Kim You-jeong's Birthplace and the exhibition halls, 
and gain a deeper understanding of his literary world, including Camellias.

Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed every Monday


Just across the street from Gimyujeong Station begins Chuncheon's literary trail!
Just across the street from Gimyujeong Station begins Chuncheon's literary trail!

Art Factory: BOM
Enjoy a stage adaptation of Kim You-jeong's stories and sample Korean spicebush flower tea.

Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Open daily


Museum of Books and Printing
Discover Korea's printing heritage and try a traditional movable-type printing experience.

Summer Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Winter Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed every Monday

Just across the street from Gimyujeong Station begins Chuncheon's literary trail!
Just across the street from Gimyujeong Station begins Chuncheon's literary trail!

Sille Bookstore
An independent bookstore offering guided storytelling tours that introduce the history
and stories of Sille Village.

Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed every Monday & Tuesday


Travel Through a Story
Travel Through a Story

Not red camellias,
but yellow Korean spicebush flowers.

Read Kim You-jeong's Camellias,
then explore Chuncheon's Literary Trail.

A story can make your journey even more meaningful.

JIRO Local Now
Doesn't a trip to Chuncheon inspired by a novel sound exciting?

Read Kim You-jeong's Camellias before your visit, and experience the story in the places that inspired it.

See you in our next post!


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Location: 대한민국 강원특별자치도 춘천시

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