Creating a New life of Healing on Jeju Island

Jeju's magic brings both blessings and curses. Its volcanic topography is beautiful, but left the island with a harsh environment; hidden underneath the peaceful fishing villages lie the scars of Korea's painful modern history. Around 25 years ago, after the passing of her young son Tommy, Brenda Paik Sunoo struck out on a journey in search of harbors for the heart. Of all the different places she visited, it was this island that drew her in, and she decided to build a home there. Stone House on Jeju Island is a record of building and moving into a home in a foreign land, and an adventure yarn about tackling a new life in one's twilight years.

Within a Tiny Stone Cottage, a Philosophy of Nature, Culture, and Life
Brenda and her husband Jan struggle to renovate a traditional stone cottage on an island where they did not speak the language. As culture clashes and natural disasters ensued, what was supposed to be a five-month building period turned into a year and a half before the two finally had their hideaway reflecting their philosophy of life in everything from its materials to its design. Daily life in Jeju is quite different from New Jersey or California. Residents can eat vegetables grown by their neighbors and leave their doors open without fear standing on their own two feet every step of the way. They learn to deal calmly with the odd natural disaster, sharing indescribable warmth and soothing their suffering with their neighbors.

At Seventy, Still Dreaming of a New Life
Brenda Paik Sunoo turned 70 this year. When asked by one of the construction participants why she was building a home in a foreign land at her age, she replied, Why not? Stone House on Jeju Island is a book for people who are not afraid of challenges as they grow older people seeking to live their lives without losing their sense of purpose and direction. Passing through the seasons twice over in her newly built stone house, she continues awakening to nature's cycles of growth and perishing and to an attitude of hope and affirmation.

Preface

Part 1 Seduction of Wind, Women, and Stone

Aewol, ‘Moon by the Water’

Generosity of the Sea

Feet to the Ground

Winds of Hallasan Mountain

An Affordable Lifestyle

Part 2 Construction of the House

House Spirits

Floor Plan

Mr. Moon, Our Contractor

Volcanic Stones

Beautiful Wooden Beams

Virginia Woolf?A Room of One’s Own

Our Clay Tile Roof

Part 3 Village Immersion

Neighbors Bearing Gifts

Next Door Neighbor

Mother Nature’s Critters

No Beggars, No Thieves, No Gates

Typhoon Chaba

Spirit of Volunteerism

Scent of Humanity at Jeju’s Five-Day Market

Spirit of Sasam?Jeju’s April 3rd Uprising and Massacre

Sister Rosarii McTigue’s Legacy

Peace on Jeju Island

Meditation at Bogwangsa Temple

Language of Compassion

Epilogue

Acknowledgements