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‘The Scientific Exploration of Jeju Volcanic Island’
Grady Moon, EAST-ASIA Publishing Co, 2018

If you have ever watched the Indiana Jones movies in theaters, on television, or on DVD, you have likely yearned to explore mysterious ruins and dangerous jungles. Even today, when people mainly look at the world using Google Maps or satellite images, did you know that explorers are still crisscrossing the globe? How about that some of them are Korean?

The Scientific Exploration of Jeju Volcanic Island was written by Grady Moon (Moon Kyung-soo), known by the rather unusual title of “science explorer,” based on his expedition on Jeju Island. By following the author through the pages, readers can encounter Jeju’s unique attractions, including Suwol Peak, Daepo Cliff, Manjang Cave, Peollang Marsh, and Biyang Island near Jeju’s northeast coast.

If you are as captivated by the book as I was, I recommend you watch the “In Search of Lost Curiosity—Jeju” episode of the tvN talk show No Way I’m an Adult or download the “Nature Live” app and embark on your own expedition. You don’t need ropes, camping gear, or safari outfits—Jeju Island is kind even to rookie explorers!

Grady Moon (Moon Kyung-soo)

Moon is Korea’s first science explorer. Struck by the charms of exploration, he has traveled through Western Australia, the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, and Alaska. In 2010, he was the first Asian to join NASA astrobiologists for scientific exploration. Recently, he has researched gorges in Yeoncheon and Pocheon with a National Geographic team. He also produces mobile lectures as well as travel and other broadcasting content with the materials he gathers during expeditions to the world’s geological wonders.

Science Explorer

This term refers to scientists, explorers, and adventurers who are officially supported by National Geographic.

“In Search of Lost Curiosity—Jeju Island”

In the 119th and 120th episode of No Way I’m an Adult, broadcast in January 2018, Grady Moon and host Kim Sang-joong explore Jeju Island together.

Nature Live

This is an application developed by Grady Moon to guide users’ exploration of the nature and geology of Jeju Island. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

The next KF Culture Walk will be written by Senior Program Officer Kim In-hyeok of the Resource Management Department.