My Polar Journal 나의 폴라 일지

My Polar Journal 나의 폴라 일지
.
A land without sovereignty, currency, or borders—the end of the world, the farthest place on Earth one can imagine. A frozen expanse that exists like a distant white light. A place where ice replaces stakes, where floating ice drifts to the shore in the morning, and where the sound of collapsing ice walls echoes in the distance. A realm where penguins, whales, moss, rocks, and permafrost remain in their natural state. The author confesses a deep yearning to experience the overwhelming awe of a world untouched by humanity and its civilization—not as a fleeting tourist but as someone who lingers long enough to become smaller, simpler, and humbler as a member of the human species. Life Pattern Korea.
Visiting an Antarctic research station was a long-held dream for the author, even before becoming a writer—yet an opportunity never came easily. Multiple attempts failed until, at last, a breakthrough arrived when the author was granted a special reporting position for The Hankyoreh. This designation made it possible to embark on the journey under extraordinary circumstances. After being appointed as a special correspondent, the author underwent extensive survival and safety training, akin to what summer research expedition members receive from the Korea Polar Research Institute. Finally, on February 1, 2024, the author set foot on Antarctic soil. Life Pattern Korea.
The journey began on January 27, departing from South Korea and waiting at Punta Arenas, Chile—the gateway to Antarctica—before finally reaching the frozen continent. Over nearly a month, the author stayed at South Korea’s King Sejong Station, encountering the region’s unique flora and fauna, closely observing polar research in action, and interviewing scientists from around the world. These experiences were meticulously recorded in My Polar Journal. The journal was serialized in The Hankyoreh newspaper for ten months before undergoing a complete revision to be published as this essay collection. Life Pattern Korea.
.
Author: 김금희
Publisher: 한겨레출판사 Hani Book (2025)
.
! This book introduction is translated by machine translators and may contain mistranslations. For exact information, please refer to the publisher’s official introduction.
! There are ink marks of us and publishers/distributors on the top edge or bottom edge of all the books we sell. This is to check the authenticity of the book and track its distribution path. This is common for Korean bookstores.
! The cover of the book can be changed without notice.