A very creative person 매우 창의적인 사람_남이섬에서 만난 사람

                                                         
       (written in 2004)

Nami island is changing its image into something special and precious not only for lovers and friends but for the family as well. While it has no mountain, it has plenty of walking tracks filled with tall trees, deer, rabbits, and various birds. This island, named after General Nami(1441-1468), has been developed since 1965 but has now been transformed into a wonderful theme park.

 In the past, the land of Nami became an island only in times of flood. Since the construction of the Cheongpyeong-dam, the surrounding waters have permanently isolated it from the mainland. Now the land of fairy tales, hundreds of people are visiting this place to find peace and harmony with nature.

 This year, I had a chance to visit the island for a second time. Surrounded by the beautiful Bukhan river, Namin island is becoming a fantasy world of fairy tales. The lake-like river was frequented by boats of people visiting when Herman Hesse's paintings were exhibited and since the "Winter sonata," this little island has attracted various people, even from abroad. The "Sunday special" program was recently filmed here.

 When our group visited there, the multi-character designer, graphic designer, and illustrator Kang Woo-hyon guided us to several places. It seems that he is digging various inspiring wells at the same time, while he is free to share his talents and ideas with others. He is now in charge of Nami Island to make it a magical world.

 Whatever he does, he is very successful. As far as I know, it's because he dreams of something good and beneficial to others. When we think of something good and positive, it becomes true. But he likes trivial or worthless things, such as blowing a leaf into the wind or a broken toothpick hidden in a bottle of distilled liquor. He knows how to make it meaningful. Nothing is meaningless and useless in his eyes.

 When we were there, a little pavilion was being built. Several workers were waiting for him to write the title of a cute house on the wooden beam. Then, Mr. Kang asked our group to suggest the name of that pavilion. One of our sisters said "haneul maeum," meaning the heavenly heart.

 Just before writing the first character, he spilled black ink on the wooden beam. Then, he calmed himself with a smile and began to write the title from the last word of "haneul maeum" by making use of the spoiled ink. He was good at writing letters backward. There was no harm at all. No disharmony in each letter. His writing looked just perfect and beautiful as it was.

 I found out creativity comes from positive perspectives. When we look at reality from a positive and optimistic point of view, every defect, failure, mistake, and vulnerability can be used to bring about better results. It's amazing to see that something good can come from positive and creative thoughts. In fact, everything can be an opportunity to grow up and become more mature.

 Mr. Kang is very conscious of the ecosystem and harmony with nature and likes to reuse old books to produce used notebooks. Whatever he does for the island, he enjoys his work through his creative imagination.

 He introduced us to some of his stories through a PowerPoint presentation, which we enjoyed and applauded heartily afterward. He called his story "an idea story with simple pictures." He said, "when I am alone, it's good to think. When I am with others, it's good to love." His creative ideas seemed to be born in nature. Let me introduce one of his stories called "Point-story."

 "I don't have a name. But people say 'you are a point. Things that look like me are also called 'points.' But I don't care what they call me. I am just myself. But sometimes like a stone pillar. Sometimes like stepping stones. Like a chart of stars, the moon in daylight, a flower, or an engagement ring. I can transform myself into anything whenever I want to. I don't like being called a point just like any other point. People have different names for males and females. Tell me why we are called by this name only? Similar but unique, harmony is the fountain of creation."

 Truly, harmony with the self, nature, others, and God is the fountain of creation and inner peace.

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Aug. 2, 2004