John Walker; Design EUM: 40 pp., 8,000 won
John Walker, chairman of the Macquarie Group of Companies Korea, has written a children's book, ``Ura's World'' in both Korean and English.
The story is set in Korea, where there were once many bears in the wild ― this is actually based on the legendary bear woman, Ungnyeo, in Korea's founding myth, ``Dangun Shinhwa.'' The book tells the tale of Ura and his friends in the Korean mountains.
Walker came to Korea in 2000 to establish his business. He said that he has a strong interest in Korean culture and nature. He wrote the book for two things to be achieved by those who read the book.
Firstly, young Koreans who are studying English will find it helpful through identifying with their own animals and mountains.
Secondly, all readers will be reminded of the beauty of Korean nature and the importance of protecting its flora and fauna. The book is dedicated to all those people who give their lives to improving and protecting the natural environment, the author said.
Lee Hee-jung who previously worked in the film industry took part in the illustrations of the book. Her interest in children's books motivated her to participate as an illustrator for the first time.
-Chung Ah-young