On May 14, at the invitation of Marek Repovsky, Slovak Ambassador to Korea, I had the pleasure of visiting a special exhibition on Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB). Founded in 1967, BIB is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international biennale dedicated to children’s book illustrators, tracing the artistic evolution of picture books across cultures and generations.
Co-organized by the Slovak Embassy in Seoul and BIBIANA, or International House of Art for Children, the exhibition, which runs through July 5 at the island’s Peace Gallery, presents an impressive retrospective of Grand Prix winners and award-winning illustrations from around the world. More than an art exhibition, it symbolizes the enduring cultural friendship between Slovakia and Nami Island.
After touring the gallery, I walked through the island’s vibrant forest paths and unexpectedly encountered Bruno Jans, Belgian ambassador to Korea; Damir Kusen, Croatian ambassador to Korea; and Erika Sfascia, deputy director of the Italian Cultural Center in Seoul. Accustomed to meeting such distinguished figures in luxurious hotel reception halls, I found it refreshing to see them enjoying the peaceful May greenery beneath towering trees.
The occasion also marked the awards ceremony for the 2026 NAMI CONCOURS, an international picture book illustration competition hosted on the island every two years. Diplomats and cultural representatives from many countries gathered to celebrate emerging artistic talent. Winners receive not only prizes and plaques, but also exhibition opportunities, publication opportunities and even accommodation on the island. A Belgian illustrator Astrid Verplancke (Account of the Shipwreck) was chosen Grand Prix for 2026.
As I explored further, curiosity overtook me. Who had transformed this once-ordinary river island into such an extraordinary cultural sanctuary? My answer came from the owner, Min Woong-ki.
“My father deeply loved trees,” he said warmly. “He began planting them here in the 1960s. At that time, we traveled on rough dirt roads just to plant saplings. Those tiny trees are now towering forests.”
That vision has since grown into a vast ecological haven where squirrels, rabbits and birds roam freely without fear of humans. Art and nature coexist harmoniously; sculptures stand quietly among rare trees, while traditional Korean earthenware jars decorate peaceful cottages and garden paths. Visitors can experience everything from tea ceremonies and pottery workshops to forest trekking, glamping, river cruises, water sports and scenic train rides.
What touched me most deeply was a modest photo display beside the road in Nami Park, which honored the island’s cleaning and maintenance staff. Their names and histories were proudly presented for visitors to see. It reflected a management philosophy rooted not merely in business, but in human dignity and gratitude.
What began decades ago as a father’s affection for trees has become a world-renowned cultural and environmental landmark. Nami Island is not merely a tourist attraction; it is a living example of how passion, patience and humanity can transform a local space into a global cultural treasure. As Korea continues to expand its cultural influence worldwide, Nami Island will remain one of the finest ambassadors of K-culture and ecological stewardship.
Shin Hye-suk ([email protected]), who also goes by Shindy, completed a doctorate in sociology and has devoted two decades of her life to academic pursuits at a university in Japan. She is also a florist and currently serves as an adviser to the Seoul JoongAng Rotary Club International, Korea.
Source: Korea Times News
