My Polar Diary

Antarctica is a fascinating and unique world. Many dream of being among unafraid penguins, but getting to this continent—without boundaries—is no easy task: access is strictly regulated. The reason is that the local ecosystem is vulnerable, and the harsh conditions leave no room for mistakes.

“My Polar Diary” is an account of experiences from a trip to Antarctica, where South Korean writer Kim Gyumhi went not as a tourist, but as a special correspondent and a research assistant. For this, she had to undergo serious preparation. The story of her days at King Sejong Station is infused with respect and awe for the majestic nature of Antarctica—almost untouched by civilization.

Kim Gyumhi is well known in South Korea for her poignant stories, which sensitively convey the feelings and anxieties of a modern person. She entered literature in 2009 and quickly won recognition, publishing numerous stories and essays ever since.

“My Polar Diary” is not only a chronicle of encounters with people, skuas, and penguins. It is a vivid example of “healing prose,” where the source of inner strength becomes a mysterious and strict land with a rare kind of allure.