Firefighter couple introduces their job in book

By Yoon Ja-young

Firefighting couple, Kim Yong-hwan and Lee Seong-suk, who work in Seoul, got married in 2005 and have since become parents, but they became concerned after finding out that their children think they have “pitiable” jobs.

Their two sons, who are in elementary school, saw a picture of a firefighter with soot on his face eating instant ramyeon, while leaning against a wall after putting out a fire. Though many people laud firefighters as heroes of society, Lee, who has been in charge of PR at the fire station for the past few years, found out that their sons do not think highly of them.

It prompted the couple to publish a book last month, which explains firefighting as a job. Targeting teenagers pondering over future professions, the couple answers questions from teenagers curious about the job. Lee compiled the questions she got from students who visited the fire station on a field trip.

Lee Seong-suk, left, and Kim Yong-hwan published a book explaining firefighting as a job. / Courtesy of Jongno Fire Station

The book includes basic information about the job, such as a description of their duty, salaries, work schedule and how they should prepare to get hired as a firefighter.

They say that firefighters need level-headed judgment and mental fitness to control both fires and people who are extremely frightened or in shock.

“I feel alive when I work. I like the sense of accomplishment that this job offers while we serve others. Another attraction of this job is, I think any firefighter around the world would agree, that's dignity,” the authors note in the book.

The couple says the job has changed them for the better. “Before I chose this job, I didn't think I would willingly be putting my life at stake to help others. However, my colleagues, who think of others before their own safety, have affected me to become a different person.”

The book also includes a vivid description of some fire scenes.

“Among many different kinds of fire situations, basement building fires make me the most nervous. I couldn't see due to thick smoke in an underground parking lot and the air was getting thinner. I thought I might die, but I then remembered tips from a colleague. I fumbled for the wall, found a water pipe and followed it to come out. I was relieved to hear their voices again.”

The job also has some side-effects. Firefighters habitually look for evacuation exits whenever they enter a building. The couple said that they want readers to know that firefighters are just like any other parents in the neighborhood, not unrealistic heroes or angels.