[Book Sip] Kinfolk Island... The Insanely Captivating Island

Editor's NoteSome sentences encapsulate the entire content of a book, while others instantly resonate with the reader, creating a connection with the book. We excerpt and introduce such meaningful sentences from books.

This book introduces 18 enchanting islands around the world, including the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Persian Gulf, and South Sea (Korea). The photos and texts, immersed in independent and distinctive worlds, are filled with the rich inspiration of 'Kinfolk Down.' The author recommends a quiet exploration: spending a day in a secluded cabin in the middle of a wetland, filling your stomach at a slow restaurant that uses ingredients unique to that island, and sitting on a rarely visited beach, surrendering to the slowly flowing island time.

The charm of islands that captivates humans is so powerful that there is even a word for it. - From "First Sentence"

The sunset on Socotra Island holds a special uniqueness that cannot be seen elsewhere. The sky of this island is so moving it brings tears to your eyes. Giant clouds hang in the pale purple sky, a crimson moon creates a dreamy atmosphere, and star clusters are densely embroidered to the extent that even familiar constellations are unrecognizable. - From "Socotra_14"

Berryman revealed in his 1989 autobiography The Magic Back that the moment he first discovered the Faroe Islands, he instinctively felt that the place was made for him. “Berryman, this is a landscape for you. A place that matches the shapes, proportions, colors, views, sounds, silences, light, and shadows you have most intimately held and imagined.” - From "Gotland & Faroe_26"

Corsica Island is an island of scents. Beyond the main cities and resorts featured on postcards, jagged mountains and dense vegetation stretch all the way to white sandy beaches, and beyond the shore lies the Mediterranean Sea. When you step onto this island, where Mediterranean rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage, and mint bloom everywhere, the first scent to greet your nose is lemon. The citrus forests hidden deep within the island provide the dining tables of the people of Corsica Island. - From "Corsica_104"

Zanzibar is all winding and twisting. That is why it is charming. The Stone Town district, scattered with Hindu temples, old Persian baths, colonial-era buildings, coral-colored stone mansions, and dilapidated palaces, may seem chaotic at first glance, but each building quietly holds the stories of those who visited the island before. - From "Zanzibar_140"

People coming from the bustling city of Seoul might worry about the lack of entertainment in Cheongsando, which has neither crowded nightlife districts nor shopping streets. Except for a few places famous as filming locations for dramas and movies, the island has no notable tourist attractions. However, Cheongsando gradually reveals its charm to those who stroll leisurely. You can bring a car by ferry, but giving up the car is not a bad option. The spirit of Chitaslo is that you must experience slowly to fully appreciate the beauty of the space. - From "Cheongsando_208"

On Yurmosa and Uto Islands, there is no choice but a slow life. Life on these two islands is filled with small moments such as watching the orange legs of red-necked phalaropes walking along the rocky beach's high tide line, hiking or cycling on trails, going on beach picnics, and eating Finnish-style smoked fish dishes. - From "Yurmo & Uto_223"

Anyone who has traveled even once knows well that time flows differently in everyday life and at travel destinations. Before departure, time seems to move slowly, but during a short vacation, it rushes by. And when you return to your daily commute, it quickly settles into a regular and stable pace. Meticulous travelers manage their time well to fully enjoy their time at the destination. The secret to a relaxed and calm pace is willingly entering the 'island time.' - From "Island Time_245"

Kinfolk Island | Written by John Burns | Translated by Song Yesul | Willbook | 256 pages | 33,000 KRW