Wonju (원 주)
Wonju is located in central Korea, in the South West of the Gangwon Province (Gangwon-do). The city is neighboured by Yeongwol and Pyeongchang on the East, and Yeoju and Yangpyeong (Gyeonggi-do province) on the West. It also borders Hoengseong county to the North and Chungju and Jecheon to the South.
Wonju is the biggest city in Gangwon-do, bigger even than Chuncheon, it’s capital. In fact, Wonju was once the ancient capital of the Gangwon Province, holding the title for 500 years during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s population is a little over 300,000, and growing.
Wonju is not the most beautiful of places - full of many grey, drab looking buildings and high rise blocks – but is beloved by many Koreans and foreigners alike, due to it’s friendly nature and abundance of activities.
It’s slogan ‘Healthy Wonju’ reflect’s the city’s participation in the World Health Organisation’s ‘Healthy City’ scheme, which strives to improve the surroundings and health of the local residents, whilst promoting sustainable development. Wonju was the site of three crucial battles during the Korean War.
During my stay in South Korea, I came across many markets. Wonju-si is a beautiful city full of history and culture. One day i ventured out to take a look at one of the local small scale markets. there were an array of people with different stories painted on their faces. I’ve often enjoyed observing the older generation and how they fit into the modern fabric of society. Traveling through this market gave the feeling that modern South Korea faded away and a pseudo-old age South Korea appeared.
Observing the vendors, i felt the struggle of everyday life. Groups varies. Some formed small communities for collected revenue income, while others fended for themselves facing the perils of rejection and being ignored.
Taking a step away from the large scale supermarkets and shopping centers, you’re thrown into a world where haggling and grabbing extra product take center stage. A place where service and exchange transactions are redefined or at times even eliminated.
