World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Actor Choi Bul-am, remembered at the mountain that inspired his name
Korean actor Choi Bul-am has died at 87, prompting tributes from people who remember him as a familiar father figure on screen.
In Seoul’s Nowon district, mourners have visited Bulamsan, the mountain linked to his name, and a stone there displays a poem he wrote.
His uncle gave him the name Bul-am after his father died, hoping he would live a healthy life; the name comes from the mountain.
Choi began acting in theatre as a young man and later appeared in television dramas and films, earning the nickname “the nation’s father” for his roles.
In the poem, he apologised for having “borrowed” Bulamsan, saying the name felt too weighty to use without regret.
He reportedly called the poem an apology rather than a poem, reflecting how seriously he took the name and the responsibility he felt it carried.
Actor Choi Bul-am died at the age of 87, prompting mourners to remember him at Bulamsan, the mountain that inspired his stage name.
A memorial stone near a viewing point on the mountain bears a poem he wrote, “Bulamsan, My Mountain.”
Choi was named an honorary owner of the mountain by Nowon District in 2009.
The name “Bul-am” was given to him by his uncle, who hoped he would live a healthy life.
Hikers visiting the site recalled Choi and left notes expressing their gratitude.
- Who
- Actor Choi Bul-am, who was also known as a national father figure.
- What
- Hikers remembered him at Bulamsan, where a memorial stone displays his poem.
- When
- The article was published on October 31, 2026, after Choi’s death. He died at 87.
- Where
- Bulamsan in Nowon District, Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- Choi’s stage name came from the mountain, and he was named its honorary owner in 2009.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Choi attended a ceremony where Nowon District named him an honorary owner of Bulamsan and unveiled a memorial stone bearing his poem.
Choi’s death at age 87 was reported, and his funeral was held at Seoul Asan Medical Center.
A Yonhap reporter visited the mountain and saw hikers sharing memories and leaving a note at the memorial stone.
- Age at death
- 87
- Mountain
- Bulamsan, Nowon District, Seoul
- Honorary title
- Honorary owner of Bulamsan, appointed in 2009
- Memorial
- A stone near a mountain viewing point displays Choi’s poem
- Name origin
- His uncle gave him the name “Bul-am” after Bulamsan
1 source
What people are saying
Choi Bul-am grandpa has left too
I was happy to grow up seeing you, sir.
I lived borrowing Bulamsan without merit. Please forgive me.
It is not a poem but a letter of apology.