A Home Built on an Uninhabited Island After Retirement

To build the house, he personally ferried six tons of construction materials over in a small one-ton boat, taking the effort in stride. The greatest benefit of island life is that he can enjoy freedom without being disturbed by other people.

Park In-gyu's island house has an ecological toilet that differs from a typical haewooso (a restroom).

Instead of the Chinese character for "to untie" used in temple restrooms, he uses the character for "sea," carrying the meaning of gazing at the sea and letting go of worries.

On the uninhabited island, Park In-gyu lives self-sufficiently, making use of the food ingredients nature provides. The easiest to gather among them are the sea snails that cling to the tidal rocks.

For drinking and other daily water, he collects rainwater falling on the roof in a rainwater tank. He treats the process of cooking like play, finding joy in trying a new recipe every time.

After retiring, Park In-gyu's main pursuit is brewing traditional liquor. He studied for five years to make it, and he judges that making nuruk (fermentation starter) is ten times harder than making the liquor itself.

During fermentation, the nuruk will rot if it is not cultured correctly, so he has to pay especially close attention. Park adds care by wrapping the nuruk in lotus leaves he picked himself, using a traditional method to regulate moisture.

Razor clams are a special ingredient that can only be enjoyed in summer.

He seasons the razor clams he has gathered with vegetables in a tangy-sweet dressing and enjoys them with friends. Sharing seasonal food and the traditional liquor he brewed himself, he savors the romance and leisure of life after retirement.