Recent Books

Ji-seon, I Love You

Lee Ji-seon; Munhakdongne: 308 pp., 13,800 won

Third degree burns to 55 percent of the body would be more than enough for anyone to give up hope. But this wasn’t the case for 33-year-old Lee Ji-seon.

Ten years ago, the university student was in a car her brother was driving when a drunk driver crashed into them and changed her life forever.

Her new book `` Ji-seon, I Love You’’ deals with Lee’s life after the hopeless nights, painful surgeries and ongoing prayers and will hopefully remind readers that life indeed is a miracle.

``I don’t want to go back before the accident. I’m happy now,’’ she writes in the preface.

The writer doesn’t glorify herself as a survivor or hero, but talks about herself as a plain 33-year-old who had to go through some hardships and finally managed to break out of her misery and live as any other young lady who enjoys writing, make-up and eating with her family.

Instead of clinging to the past, Lee tries to appreciate every moment in life and prepare for a better future, something that seems simple but not easily done, and hopefully readers will come to sympathize with her.

-Han Sang-hee

The Climate and Culture of Korea

Lee Seung-ho; Translated by Park Jinna from Korean to English; Purengil: 288 pp., 30,000 won

Climate change might be one of the hottest issues these days across the entire globe. Korea has also been experiencing such a change in recent years.

This book introduces the climate of Korea and how it affects the Korean way of life and culture _ such as seasonal customs, rice farming and “gimjang” (making kimchi for winter) _ to help foreigners understand the country.

The book is written in four parts. First, it explains important factors that form Korea’s climate. Second, it tells about seasons that distinguishes Korea such as the rainy season. Third, it describes such climatic elements as temperature, precipitation, wind, fog and frost. Finally, the book shows how climate affects the Korean way of life.

The author is one of the most renowned climate scholars in the nation. The English version of his book carries not only abundant knowledge about climate and its influence but also colorful photos and graphics. Although the book requires difficult and complicated expert knowledge, it is useful to grasp the relationship between climate and culture.

-Chung Ah-young

Korea’s Top Travel Spots

Hong Ki-woon and Kwon Ki-wang; Random House; 332 pp., 13,800 won

Many people plan to go abroad for their summer vacation. But this book offers an opportunity for travelers to look around the nation first.

Unlike other travel books, the book introduces interesting parallels between domestic and overseas destinations.

It introduces 78 local and foreign travel spots in four categories _ nature, experience, tours, and culture and tradition. For example, it associates the Isle of Capri with Hongdo, Santorini with Ulleungdo and Bali with the Jungmun Resort on Jeju Island. The author also parallels the Kennedy Space Center with the Naro Space Center, Napoli with Tongyeong and the Sapporo Snow Festival with Taebaek Snow Festival.

But the book puts more emphasis on the local tourist destinations. It includes concise information about the regions and provides lots of colorful images.

Although the author selects some places subjectively and interprets the implications from her own experiences, it is attractive to see the parallels of the different places.

Olle Gamsugwang

Kang Min-chul; Culture Plus: 336 pp., 15,000 won

Olle are one of the best known walking courses on Jeju Island. Over 215 kilometers, the 12 trekking courses of Jeju Olle offer the untouched natural landscapes of the island blessed with a mild climate, rare species and beautiful scenery.

The author, who was born and raised on Jeju, says “there is a big difference to walk on the Olle trails when knowing about the paths and not.”

The book not only captures the beautiful scenery but also touches upon stories of people the author met while hiking.

The writer says that every path has its own historically tragic stories related to the uprising in 1948 that are hidden by its picturesque landscapes.

The fact that Chagwido consists of six small islets and a portrait of the landlord of famous painter Lee Jung-seop still exists in his house are revealed for the first time in this book.

It also provides useful information for accommodation, restaurants, cafes, free shuttle buses and taxi telephone numbers.