He was a Confucian scholar with pen name Ungok active between the late Goryeo dynasty and early Joseon dynasty. He was the son of Won Yun-jeok who served as Jong (official) at the Jongbusi (Royal Family Management Office). He further is the ancestor of Wonju Won family line. He passed Jinsasi (basic civil service examination), but he did not try Gwageo (higher civil service examination) as he saw that political circles were disrupted towards the end of Goryeo dynasty. He was even ashamed of having passed Jinsasi examination, and went into hiding in Mt. Chiaksan to be engaged in farming and support his parents.

He further was associated with then great Confucians such as Lee Saek, Lee Sung-in and Giljae, and was concentrated on doing academic studies. Won Cheon-seok once taught King Taejong while he was still a prince. When King Taejong ascended to the throne, he called in him to serve an office in vain.

The King then personally visited Won Cheon-seok, who avoided meeting him. Afterwards, he was forced to enter the Palace at the special instruction of King Taejong who was then retired, but he again turned down his request to support him. He has handed down one piece of Sijo (poem) reminiscent of Goryeo dynasty, and wrote and handed down to his descendants five history books on the times spanning the end of Goryeo dynasty and start of Jeseon dynasty. However, since much of their contents contradicted state affairs, his great grandchildren are said to have burnt them. As Won Cheon-seok (Ungok) was highly revered for his fidelity to principles, Confucian scholars in Wonju district established a private school named Chilbong in memory of him, paid tribute to him and held a memorial service for him.