Journey in Search of Korea's Beauty

I purchased this book as a present to myself and received it yesterday. Currently about halfway through; as it has easy, enjoyable text that flows well, even after translation to english. The book is filled with many beautiful pictures, much like great cookbooks have appealing pictures to highlight recipes and hook readers. The book reads almost in a personal diary type of style that is appealing, as it offers additional insight into the author's thought processes. To me it states that BYJ is reaching out on a personal level, to connect as a human soul with nature and man. Being the mega star that he is promotes isolation from everyday life and open social contact that he must miss very much. At least, that is the feeling that glows from the script.If the book is read in this style, as more of an autobiographical text than a scholarly document, then readers are able to glimpse the author's intent to provide a safe channel to connect with others through words and images. An important focus of the text is family and continuity; leaving the reader with the thought that the author often feels isolated and in need of solace from someone who really 'knows' his true personal traits and perhaps shares a common history. This disconnection the author feels obviously concerns him, but he makes light of it and masks this with a smile/mirth.Personal health, both body and mind, are also notated throughout...giving the reader a feeling that this is a very important focus for the author. A common theme running through the script is the return to a gentler, more innocent time both personally and professionally. A return or at least appreciation for the roots that make us. I just finished the tea chapter and feel that BYJ may feel at times like Yabukita, but in actuality his roots are axial, and his leaves fermented.Details abound throughout the text, and you can tell that a lot of care was given to accurately portray written 'visuals' through the journey. Natural landscapes and ecology are eulogized within the script both pictorally and in verse. Especially warm are the author's despictions of dawn, twilight and full night - giving the reader the feeling that the author feels more at ease at these times of day. Perhaps it is because his daylight hours are consumed with his famous persona.I found his chapter on museums to be rather stilted, and not as personalized as the other chapters. While the author was enthusiastic regarding cross cultural conversation and the reallocation of Korean cultural aesthetics, the text was only fulsome and descriptive regarding the museum's architecture and the Pensive Bodhisattva. The predominance of non Korean artifacts may be the reason for this.On the other hand, the liquor chapter showed BYJs love for his friends and the importance of them in his life. This chapter was easily his most open and enthusiastic text within the book. Looking at the nearly script like writing style where the main characters bonded over alcohol was really fun and light hearted. The reader is also able to infer from the text that the blending of Korean and Western influences are able to live in harmony within the author.All in all, the book has given me new insight into Korean culture and BYJ. The author is obviously a person happiest when busy with both is hands, mind and heart. A true jack of all trades, he finds himself well able in many roles - artist, entrepreneur, craftsman, politican,and even homemaker.While there is concern over Korea being 'overlooked' and generalized as asian rather than a rich culture of its own making; there are efforts out there to keep tradition and art alive. As an American, and American Indian at that, I cannot help but draw parallels between our two countries. Looked at from this standpoint, the Korean people have had much more success in retaining their cultural heritage and identity.The back of the book has friendly, easy to understand maps of BYJs travels and items of interest. The index is accurate, helpful, and easy to use. Next I am lending this book to a friend to read, then I will keep it for reference, and the occasional reread. Thanks BYJ!I hope you find this review helpful.

Give an opinion about " A Journey in Search of Korea 's Beauty " has been a somewhat difficult task. Difficult by how much I have to say, and because more than praise, provided it would not. Bae Yong Joon, with the humility that characterizes the beginning of his work tells us that this book is far from perfect, but I think to read it, as it translated (English to Spanish ) every word, every sentence each page, my heart was filled with so much joy and peace that perfection was becoming more apparent to me.To describe this book would be as complex as describing Soulful Art Spirit, the power of God or a miracle. Anyway do my best, and I humbly want heart help many people, like me, simply fall in love with Korea, a country, a place, its people and its culture and traditions, for when we love what we are and we are proud of it, preserve it, protect it and care. Then comes the admiration of others accordingly.My need and interest in reading this book was initially just a feeling, a hunch, an impulse, a call.Bae Yong Joon, beyond allowing those who do not know Korean, walk through magnificent places, teach with care and devotion traditions and ancient customs, allow us to experience the closeness and humility of its people, the wisdom of his people, the sensitivity of his art: kimchi and their food, the tradition of tea, hanbok, the hanji, the hanok, lacquered black and ceramics, drinks, music, Hangeul, etc. . Beyond all that, I think we can read to feel and connect with art, culture and traditions, beyond our five senses.As wisely expressed in part of the Prologue, Lee O Young Ex - Minister of Culture of Korea , referring to the book of Bae Yong Joon "this is the aromatic endeavor " of the author. In my opinion, if we have a good nose we can smell the miracle that blows between the wise and sublimely lines written by the author.At this point do not know if Bae Yong Joon is a better writer than actor, which is enough to say. What I do know is that as the act gives his heart, his soul exposed in this book. I think someone who is able to have much unconditional love for the place where he was born and where he grew up, and who is able to appreciate and share that love creating through this book a gift to the world deserves us to provide chance to read it.I think he wisely used his pen, paper, camera, humility, wit and heart to create through writing a bridge to the public world . I think as a result, ends by sowing the love for his country in the heart of every reader, and does so well, that not only the reader may feel that you are in Korea, but actually want to be there with their five senses and ends motivated by the experience of " A Journey in Search of the Korea 's Beauty "Already there are several travelers readers. So ... get ready to embark on a trip that you can know where it begins but definitely not know where it will end. Prepare to be moved. Enjoy it dear reader.PS: The writer "Bae Yong Joon", I give humble and sincere thanks, for " such a wonderful gift that brings infinite joy". God bless you. Gamsahabnida!!!

I love Bae Yong Joon, having seen him in many of his movies and Korean dramas. This book has been by my bedside nightstand for three weeks since it arrived by post. I love to read or re-read a chapter before falling asleep. It's a gentle and intelligent book, like the man himself. I love his insights about his travels throughout Korea. There are interesting chapters on just about everything that makes Korea fascinating: food and drink, historical clothing, religion and the temple lives of Buddhist monks, scenery and landscapes, pottery making, paper making, Korean lacquer, the best tea making tips, architecture, museums and historical artifacts, creative living, vintage music of the land, history of Hangeul, and more. It is so nice to see an actor you respect being interested in what makes his country unique and special, instead of just writing a book on his personal love life, like so many other actors do. This book is well worth the money if you have an interest in Korea.

This a lovely book, warmly and lovingly written. Bae Yong Joon takes you on a sensual journey through his culture by allowing you to share in each of the experiences he has with great respect and warmth for Korea'speople, food and tradition. I became familiar with Yong Joon through his acting (he's very talented) and was pleasantly surprised to find that he had written a book on the culture that I had come to be so interested in through Korean drama....especially the period and historical ones. Yong Joon's descriptions of taste, smell and visual appearance allows you to share his own enjoyment of each experience he has. I loved, too, the way he used photos to bring each joyful encounter he had to life. If you are in any way interested in Korean culture, you'll love this book.

The book by my favourite Korean actor Bae Yong Joon is a deep research into the Korean culture and lifestyle and an interesting journey through the history and sights of this marvellous country, which I had the golden chance to live in for almost 2 years. Thank you, Mr Bae, for the hard work, efforts and pain you have implemented in your work. Looking forward to the next one.

Es un excelente libro que te lleva de la mano por todo Korea.Aprendes de su cultura que es una herencia muy extensa.Me identifico mucho con la vida asiática.Muchas gracias Bae Yong Joon por pensar en éste libro.

A wonderful book on different aspects of Korean culture and traditions. It is not just another book on Korea since the actor describes everything in a very personal way making you really go and see everything for yourself.

This is a lovely lyrical book. Bar Yong Joon's experience of his own culture is childlike yet meaningful.