won bin was born and raised in jeongseon county in gangwon province, south korea. he is the fifth and youngest child, with one brother and three sisters. his father was formerly employed in a mine and his mother worked on a farm; both of his parents are now retired. as was common for other children living in mountainous regions, won bin spent most of his time playing around with friends in the mountains and rivers, and later explained: "i came back home most nights at sunset with a black and dusty face." he was frequently shy, introspective, and quiet, character traits that would continue to follow him throughout adulthood. while not talkative or outgoing, he excelled at athletics. won bin started taekwondo lessons and now holds a black belt. as a young boy, he initially planned to become a car mechanic due to his interest in car racing and motorcycling. won bin graduated from a mechanical high school, where he studied car repair and mechanics.