오롯이 파도 소리만 들리는 작은 섬, 자기만의 별나라인 통영 수우도에서의 인생 여행 | 자연의 철학자들 49부 나는 별나라에서 산다 (KBS 20230317 방송)

Natural Human Documentary: Philosophers of Nature - Episode 49 'I Live in the Land of Stars' Aired on March 17, 2023 ■ The Universe Star Where I Live Suwudo is a small and beautiful island located in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do. Kim Jeong-gap (48), who was born and raised on this island, returned to his hometown 11 years ago after working as a character designer in Seoul. Unlike his time in Seoul, where he used to rack his brains to come up with ideas, ideas spring forth naturally here in his "Nature's Workshop." Jeong-gap's character, "Sisiro," is a fish with legs that wants to live on land; he named it with the meaning of living happily and joyfully at every moment. In Jeong-gap's imagination, he travels to the universe stars riding "Sisiro." Jeong-gap lives imagining that he is traveling to Suwudo—a star floating in the sea, just like a star in the sky. He has no hesitation in imagining like a child and playing like a child. *Natural Human Documentary: Philosophers of Nature - Episode 49 'I Live in the Land of Stars'* *The Universe Star Where I Live* Mr. Jeong-gap, who is also the village head of Suudo, lives a "life of giving" in his own little world. He visits the homes of neighborhood grandmothers to keep them company, harvests seaweed to share with the elderly who have difficulty moving around, and gathers mugwort to make and eat mugwort stew. Although he traveled to Suudo alone on a "Sisiro" (a small boat), he finds it incredibly enjoyable to live in harmony and share with others. That is why Mr. Jeong-gap encourages others to try giving. ■ A Life Without Greed Mr. Kim Jeong-gap currently lives peacefully on Suudo without greed. When he pulls up his fish trap—which serves as his refrigerator—he finds only a small sea cucumber, a single crab, and a sea urchin. While this may seem like a modest harvest to others, he shouts, "Jackpot!" Whether he catches something or not, it is fine for him. Mr. Jeong-gap simply eats only as much as nature allows and gives him. When presented with a meal prepared by nature—featuring deodeok, hijiki, sea cucumber, and kelp—one feels no need to envy any luxurious restaurant in the world. Living on this island, he learned that one can live peacefully and freely simply by letting go of a little greed. ■ Becoming a Harmless Being to the World Among the people of Tongyeong, Suwudo is nicknamed "Camellia Island." The character "Su" (樹) in Suwudo (樹牛島) was given because of the abundance of camellia trees. It is said that his mother, who passed away last February, would always answer that she was from Camellia Island Suwudo whenever someone asked where she was from. However, these camellia trees that bring glory to Suwudo are gradually diminishing. This is because the tenacious kudzu vine is expanding its territory, hindering the trees' photosynthesis and eventually causing them to wither and die. To prevent Camellia Island from becoming Kudzu Island, Mr. Jeong-gap periodically removes the kudzu vines. Just like the kudzu vine that spreads unhinderedly without noticing the surrounding trees dying, Mr. Jeong-gap thinks that he must live solely for himself and not cause harm to others. Looking at the camellias, Mr. Jeong-gap recalls memories of his mother. It was a time spent comfortably, picking camellia flowers for his mother who loved them, drinking tea together, and feeling the warm winter sunshine. He returned home 11 years ago to care for his mother, whose health had deteriorated. When he first came down to Suudo, he intended to return to Seoul soon, but before he knew it, more than ten years had passed. His mother is gone, but Mr. Jeong-gap remains on Suudo. ■ When the Journey of This Life Ends On this small island where only the sound of waves can be heard, as he spends time alone gazing at the beautiful sea and stars, a question arises in Mr. Jeong-gap's mind: "What is happiness?" People strive to become happy by pursuing it. Perhaps that is a futile effort, like trying to pluck the stars from the sky. Therefore, Mr. Jeong-gap does not chase happiness but focuses on the comfort he feels right now. On this planet called Earth, humans are merely beings passing through. Just as beautiful scenery does not belong to the traveler, not everything we enjoy belongs to man. Mr. Jeong-gap simply gives thanks to nature and finds comfort and peace in the fleeting moments that pass by. #PhilosophersOfNature #Suwudo #CamelliaIsland