KOREA FOUNDATION

The words “Jeju” and yoga seem to pair well, even for those who have never tried yoga, due to media outlets increasingly featuring the former as a good place for the latter. Before coming to Jeju, I used to imagine unfolding a mat on the grass in a forest or lawn overlooking the sea and enjoying a peaceful session of concentrating on my body, mind, and breathing. When I finally spread my mat on Jeju’s famed grass, however, I achieved neither tranquility nor concentration. It was because of the insects (mostly, mosquitoes) that always seemed to be swarming nearby. This bothered me immensely until I came to accept it as part of the yoga asana experience, which enabled me to feel a “non-grasping” oneness with all beings. I highly recommend doing yoga in Jeju: preferably, however, in spring or fall!

No matter how tired I feel, I go to my yoga studio on my way to the office. The short journey there alone is enough to put my mind at ease. Commanding a fine view of the sea, it boasts a scenic, tasteful mood on rainy days and is indescribably beautiful in clear weather.

My mind clears when practicing yoga or meditating, which allows me to head to work feeling much lighter in body and mind—and happy. My morning routine is quite different from what it used to be when I lived in the city and had to ride a crowded subway train after doing yoga. I am, therefore, extremely content with my current life.

My life in Jeju will continue to be accompanied by yoga breathing, rain or shine.

Arts and Culture Department Jeong Ji-won

Jeong Ji-wonyogaBreathing