Park made her debut as an author in 1970 at the age of 40 when her work The Naked Tree was selected by a panel of judges. Until her passing in January 2011, she went on to publish 80 short story collections and 15 feature-length works of fiction, along with numerous children’s books, essay collections, and dramas. Her most well-known works include Mother’s Stake, Who Ate Up All the Shingah?, Unforgettable, and Applause to the Very Last. She has received 13 prizes for her contributions to fiction. Park took the many tragedies in her life and used them as inspiration for her art, and was excellent in identifying the everyday pain that people can relate to. She was also critical of the deep ironies in our society, as well as the shallowness of the middle class and the issue of gender inequality. And yet, the main themes that weave through all her works are those of hope and love.