한국국제교류재단

ASEAN IN KOREA

Oh Hye-jin: Children’s book author from Jeju-do
Oh Hye-jin was born in Mindanao, the secondl argest island in the Philippines, as the second of six children. Since leaving her native country in January 2008, Oh has lived in Korea where she had her first experience of chilly winter air. For its June issue, the ACH Monthly sat down with Oh, who lives on Jeju-do, as a children’s book author and mother of two children, to hear more about her life and work.

What made you decide to write and publish children’s books?

When I started reading books to my son and daughter when they were 2-3 years old. I started because of my children, but the book reading ultimately was very helpful for me in improving my Korean pronunciation and reading skills. As in most families, children pay attention only at the beginning, with only me left with the book at the end. (laughs) That’s how I started getting interested in children’s books and eventually decided to write my own when I was presented with the opportunity to publish a children’s book in Korean on a Philippine folktale.

Can you introduce one of your books for the ACH Monthly readers?

I would like to talk about “The Legend of the Pineapple”. If you ask a small child to bring something to you, chances are that they will say they cannot find the object—even if it is right in front of them. The story is about a girl who turns into a pineapple, a fruit that has many “eyes.” I’m sure most adults have this experience. I was often scolded as a child because I couldn’t find things: today, I often see my younger self in my daughter. Hopefully she doesn’t turn into a pineapple! (laughs)

What is the most satisfying part of being a children’s book author?

It’s very satisfying to see the story that I re-wrote several times and that was edited many more times published as a book that is sold in bookstores. I think to myself, ‘My story has finally come out into the world!’ When I first came to Korea, I had no idea that I would write a book about myself or my home country. I thought that books were written by people who did well in school or are experts in their field. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment in having done something that I didn’t ever think was possible.

We understand that you live on Jeju-do. What is “Jeju life”really like?

The entire family moved to Jeju-do in March 2017 when myhusband’s job transferred him there. We explored the island each weekend and even climbed Hallasan a few times. Usually, we take light walks on one of Jeju-do’s many oreum [parasitic cone] or at the beach. The rhinitis that I suffered so chronically in Seoul disappeared as if by magic—I think it’s because the air is cleaner on Jeju-do. I like beingable to open a window and look out at the sea whenever I’m stressed to clear my brain and feel more at peace emotionally. I love being able to go to the beach whenever I want.

What are your short- and long-term plans?

I entered Seoul Cyber University this year as a student of the Department of Social Welfare. I want to be of help toas many people as I can through on my ability to speak three languages (Filipino, English, and Korean). I can’t waitto see myself as a social worker four years from now! Another thing that I want to try is writing another children’s book—one that is more interesting than “The Legend ofthe Pineapple”. I want to live a new life as an approachable, friendly social worker who reads books to kids.