Park Won-sook on her 15-year life in Namhae: "I only go to Seoul when I'm sick"

Actress Park Won-sook is embracing a life close to nature in Namhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, after scaling back her broadcasting activities. Having operated a cafe in Namhae for 15 years, she candidly shared her approach to aging, noting that her previous belief—that one must live in a city near hospitals as they age—has completely changed.

On the 24th, the second installment of Lee Kyung-sil and her daughter Son Su-a's trip to Namhae was released on the YouTube channel 'Our Mom Lee Kyung-sil.' The two met with Park, who resides in Namhae, for the first time in a long while.

Park and Lee have maintained a long-standing bond through the KBS2 program 'Park Won-sook's Let's Live Together.' Since the program concluded last year, Park has reduced her presence on screen to enjoy a relatively relaxed daily life in Namhae.

The decision to settle in Namhae stems from her shifting life priorities as she ages. Park confessed that she previously believed elderly individuals should reside in urban areas close to medical facilities.

However, her perspective shifted after experiencing life in Namhae firsthand. "I used to think that when you get older, you should live in the city, close to a hospital," she said. "But after actually moving down here, my thinking changed to: 'If I get sick, I can just go then; why do I need to be there in advance?'"

This reflects her life philosophy: rather than viewing old age solely through the lens of medical accessibility, she believes it is more important to live in a preferred environment while healthy. Indeed, Park has made Namhae her home, maintaining a daily routine immersed in nature.

Park has been running a cafe in Namhae since 2011. Recently, she has even been remodeling the cafe, proving that she views Namhae not merely as a temporary retreat, but as her permanent foundation.

Her views on fashion have also evolved with time. When Lee praised her for maintaining a sophisticated sense of style, Park replied, "When I was young, I bought clothes often, but after developing a specific style and my body changing, I don't buy them as much.""

She added with a joke that drew laughter, "The problem is that I've played so many villain roles that I don't even lend my clothes out anymore." The intense characters she portrayed throughout her long acting career led to this unexpected lifestyle anecdote.

She also offered advice to Lee's daughter, Son Su-a, regarding the dynamics of a mother and daughter working together on YouTube. Park advised, "Don't try to clash with your mother. Try to think, 'That could happen.'" She added, "If a problem arises, don't hold it in; let it out and get rid of it.""

Park's advice seems to stem from practical experience, suggesting that rather than trying to eliminate conflict in family relationships, it is more important to acknowledge differing perspectives and avoid letting resentment build up.

In addition to the meeting with Park, the video captures Lee and Son Su-a touring Namhae's German Village and beaches. Park's life in Namhae demonstrates that one can design their later years far differently from the glamorous city life or constant broadcasting activities.