KOREA FOUNDATION

1. You wrote the book Moon Tides: Jeju Island Grannies of the Sea based on your research on Jeju’s haenyeo divers. What motivated you to pay attention to Jeju Island and its women divers?

I was turning 60 when I began researching the haenyeo in 2007. They inspired me because they livepurposefully until their very last moments. They are not only divers, but also farmers, economic providers, community activists, and patriots. They risk their lives every time they go into the sea to provide a better life for their families. I wanted Americans to know more about these courageous Korean women.

2. You live on Jeju in a stone house you built there. To leave the United States where you were born and grew up, and build a house on Jeju Island—what does this mean to you?

My husband and I wanted to experience life in Korea because it is where our ancestral roots are. Even though we were born in the United States, we grew up in the Korean American community. Our grandmothers lived with us and passed down Korean culture, so it is not strange to us. I love Jeju Island because of its beautiful sea and landscape, four seasons, history, matrifocal culture, and shamanist spirituality. We feel safe and comfortable here because we have many friends on Jeju who are like family.

3. What does your daily routine look like? When you aren’t writing or taking photographs, what do you do?

In 2016, I became a dual citizen, so I feel a social responsibility to contribute to society both on Jeju Island and in Korea in general. I am still very involved in teaching writing, editing material on Jeju in English, and working on books. Otherwise, I love to walk the olle trails, swim in the sea, and create mixed-media art with my friends. As a senior citizen, I also pay attention to daily exercise and healthy eating.

4. You traveled to many places around the world before settling in Jeju. Are there any places that are unforgettable, or that you remember with a particular fondness?

Over 60 years ago, my husband lived with a German pastor’s family with 12 children as a foreign exchange student. As time has passed, we have kept in touch with this family, and every few years, we have big family reunions with over 100 siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren in attendance. In 2019, we spent three summer months living in Tübingen, Germany. It is a very beautiful university town by the river.

5. What are your future plans and hopes?

I plan to continue writing about Jeju culture and Korea-US relations. Many foreign journalists have contributed to promoting Korean history. I hope to follow in their footsteps and contribute to peace on the peninsula. This is the best way to honor the legacy of my grandparents, who were patriots and hoped for Korean independence and democracy.

*Brenda Paik Sunoo website & latest book
website: www.brendasunoo.com
latest book: www.rememberingsewol.com