The People of Pilgrim’s Progress

In this profound and visually captivating work, scientist and artist Professor Shi-Ryong Park invites readers on a deeply personal spiritual journey that mirrors the classic allegory of ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’. Using delicate watercolours painted on traditional Korean paper, Prof. Park reimagines John Bunyan’s timeless characters while interweaving his own modern-day pilgrimage—a path of faith, doubt, and ultimate renewal.

As a man of science, Park faced profound challenges to his belief in God, confronting the voices of academic skepticism from figures like Darwin, Dawkins, and Wilson. His spiritual struggle reached a turning point amidst the temptations of the modern world—symbolized by digital distractions and the fading of his ecological dreams. Yet, like Christian in Bunyan’s tale, Prof. Park finds redemption and hope, embracing a rebirth through Christ.

Climbing Mount Inwang daily in contemplation and communion with nature, he reflects on life, death, and eternity, offering readers not only a story of personal transformation but a spiritual vision rendered in word and image.

A rare fusion of art, science, and faith, The People of Pilgrim’s Progres is a testament to the enduring power of the Christian pilgrimage—and a unique contribution to spiritual literature in our time.

About the author
Emriet. Prof. Shi-Ryong Park (Dr.rer.nat) is a natural scientist who has been researching and teaching animal behaviour at the Korea National University of Education for 30 years. During his time at the university, he was also the director of the Oriental Stork Reintroduction Project, an international endangered level 1 protected bird.

He began attending church in high school and is currently a deacon at Sae Moonan Church in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. He created nearly 3,000 watercolour paintings on traditional Korean paper (hanji) before writing this book. He did not paint while at university because he worked as a scientist, but after leaving university, he worked on a painting every day for 10 years before finally publishing this book. He also had a solo exhibition of watercolours at the Insadong Gallery in Seoul shortly before his retirement.

Currently, he has been hosting the Animal Kingdom programme for KBS for the past 20 years and is also a lecturer in animal welfare lectures. He is the author of “Understanding Animal Behaviour” (1996, Mineumsa), “Drunken Elephants Are Increasing” (1999, Woongjin Publishing House), “Animal Behaviour Stories” (2002, Consonants and Vowels). “Storks – Flying in Nature” (2014, Jisungsa), “Landscapes with Storks” (2019, Jisungsa), “The Story of an Unfinished Life” (2021, Three Bears), and “Where Storks Can’t Live, People Can’t Live” (2023, Carpenter’s Bookstore).

Endorsements
“‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ is a Christian classic. A classic is a book that speaks to all people in all times, but can be read anew, depending on the lens and perspective of the reader. This book is written by a biologist, Prof. Shi-Ryong Park, who reads The Pilgrim’s Progress as a creed. Prof. Park painted watercolours as he followed the Pilgrim’s Progress. This biologist-turned-painter has published a Pilgrim’s Confession. In re-reading and painting The Pilgrim’s Progress, he confesses that he has shaken off the shadow of death and gained the assurance of salvation. Prof. Park’s beloved book, Following the Stork, is the same old story, but the confession is still new. I recommend this book with the hope that we too will follow the stork on this pilgrimage, meet Prof. Park’s beloved stork, meet the Lord anew, and meet together in the distant city of Zion.”
Rev. Dong-won Lee, a fellow pilgrim (Senior Pastor of Global Mission Church)

“John Bunyan’s book, ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’, is an essential work for Christians and is one of the most widely read Christian books in the world. Although there are several commentaries, it is quite difficult to actually read. Park’s ‘People of Pilgrim’s Progress’ contains in-depth meditations, explanations and personal stories of faith, illustrated with watercolours. This book is a guide to interpreting the Pilgrim’s Progress from a scholar’s point of view, enriching it with a variety of perspectives. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover a great classic.”
Sang Hak Lee, Senior Pastor of Saemoonan Church