Why Did Kim Taek-seon Choose Hansando Island? Unveiling Her Inspiring Story of Family and Dedication

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On Episode 5 of EBS1’s Korean Journey series “Introducing My Mom,” we follow Kim Taek-seon as she keeps one of the busiest, most purposeful days on Hansan Island—the first island of the Hallyeohaesang archipelago.

◈ ‘Korean Journey’ Introducing My Mom — Episode 5: Mom’s Fast-Paced Life

Hansan Island, the first island of the Hallyeohaesang region, is home to someone who’s led a life as deep as the surrounding sea. Amid her busy routine, Kim Taek-seon takes time to look closely at her life. Known for her quick eyes, ears, and hands, she fills her days on the island with purpose and energy.

Her life hasn’t been easy. In her younger years an unexpected accident claimed her husband, and she carried the heavy responsibility of raising four children on her own. Even after all four grew into independent adults, she cared for grandchildren and continued to put her family first. After decades of sacrifice, when she finally reached the moment to choose where to spend her later years, she chose Hansan Island.

On Hansan, her day never really stops. Tasks that might once have been shared with a partner are now all hers. She heads out to sea to harvest oysters, tends fields and digs up butterbur, and spends time chatting with the island’s elders as a companion and friend. Back home she lovingly packs food and provisions for children who live far away. She never stops moving—her routine is busier than most and deeply intentional.

Why would a woman who spent so much of her life devoted to family choose island living late in life? Listening to her answer reveals a basic human urge to steer one’s own life. Even through the grief of losing her husband, she raised children and cared for grandchildren; now, that same devotion has begun to include caring for herself.

Harvesting oysters, digging butterbur, and sharing warmth with neighbors on Hansan—these moments show her determination to honor the life she chose and to live it with integrity. How precious and meaningful this daily island life will become will likely unfold naturally in the years ahead.

At the heart of Hallyeohaesang: Hansan Island, where history meets nature

경상남도 통영시에 속한 한산도는 한려수도의 대표적인 섬 가운데 하나로, 수려한 해안 경관과 역사적 의미를 함께 지닌 지역이다. 통영항에서 배로 약 30분 거리에 위치한 이 섬은 비교적 접근성이 좋아 연중 방문객이 꾸준히 찾는 곳으로 알려져 있다.

Hansan Island, part of Tongyeong City in Gyeongsangnam-do, ranks among the Hallyeohaesang area’s most notable islands, blending dramatic coastal views with deep historical meaning. The island is about a 30-minute ferry ride from Tongyeong Port, and its accessibility draws steady visitors year-round.

Hansan Island is widely known as the site of a crucial naval battle during the Imjin War in the Joseon era. In 1592, Admiral Yi Sun-sin led the Joseon navy to a decisive victory over the Japanese fleet in what is now called the Battle of Hansan Island. This fight is seen as a turning point that helped secure naval control for Joseon. Today, the island features the Hansan Naval Battle Memorial Park, which includes a statue of Admiral Yi and exhibits where visitors can learn about the historical context.

Nature is another of Hansan’s defining qualities. The island’s gentle hills and indented coastline create a scenic landscape, and the surrounding waters are part of Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park. The area offers the multi-island seascape typical of the region and is noted for a relatively well-preserved marine ecosystem.

Hansan remains a community centered on fishing. Locals cultivate seafood like oysters and sea squirts, and many make their living from the sea. Some small-scale farming continues, helping preserve the island’s traditional way of life.

Transport to the island runs via regular passenger ferries from the Tongyeong Passenger Terminal. Roads on the island are maintained for vehicle travel, making travel between major points relatively easy.

In this way, Hansan Island is both the site of historic events and a place where nature and daily life coexist—truly representative of the Hallyeohaesang region.

EBS’s flagship documentary series Korean Journey has quietly chronicled Korea’s landscapes and the everyday lives of the people who inhabit them, becoming one of EBS’s most enduring programs. Since its debut in August 2009, the series has earned a reputation as a thoughtful staple of the channel.

The show focuses on documenting seasonal shifts, regional scenery, and local daily life with a calm, observant tone. Each subject unfolds as a five-part series, with each episode running about 30 minutes. The program highlights regional characteristics and unique local cultures to tell a variety of community stories.

Korean Journey keeps production restrained and resists heavy direction, aiming instead to capture atmosphere as it is. The series relies on understated narration and a visual, story-first approach to gently portray nature and daily routines.

The show covers a broad range of places—from mountain villages and fishing towns to islands and cities—regularly introducing locations and cultures viewers might not otherwise see. In doing so, it continues to document Korea’s diverse lives and environments.

The series still airs regularly on EBS 1TV, bringing new regional stories each week.

Korean Journey broadcasts Monday through Friday at 9:35 PM. Program details are available on the EBS1 Korean Journey homepage under “Preview.”

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