How did you come to start your business in Jeju, Seogwipo?

I worked in a management position at a well-structured global F&B company and was relocated to Jeju, moving to Seogwipo to start living there. The approach towards service and customers I learned during that time has remained a lifelong asset, but to escape a consuming lifestyle, I decided to resign. I took a 2-year break, walking around the island diligently, seeing and feeling a lot as I walked. With the experience of working at a first-generation outdoor gear store my parents ran when I was young, I embarked on a bold challenge, starting Hiker House Bobo in early summer 2019.

You present programs that inspire various travelers to Jeju. Is there a particular program that holds personal significance or is closest to your heart?

I started the program to share many positive experiences. It's like wanting to introduce a beautiful place or delicious food to precious people. On the second floor of the Hiker House Bobo cafe, we operate a complex cultural arts space called Collage Platz, supporting various artists based on performing arts. My favorite program is Bobo Breakfast 步步粗餐, a gathering where we walk through the morning forest and share a modest breakfast together. It started in September 2023 and has been held on the last Sunday of every month since, without missing a single session since opening. Last April, with a project by Better Weekend and Menufacture, we expanded the Bobo Breakfast into a hiking event called OCSC (Outside Coffee Service Center). I was convinced that Bobo Breakfast could continue enjoyably over time, and it also seemed great for collaborating with other projects.

Anything interesting that happened recently, or an intriguing story related to Jeju?

Having been open for about 4 years now, we have regulars and even returning visitors who came a long time ago. It’s fascinating how meeting as a business and customer can lead to new connections.

Just as nature has been generous to me
I want to be someone useful to nature.

Do you have any special beliefs? Feel free to express it in a sentence.

After seeing <SELF PORTRAIT WITH PUBLIC CORNER 2023> at the end of last year, I realized 'Digital Amen' has become an important topic in my life. It made me reflect on what kind of attitude we should have in this uncertain age where life is expressed, judged, and executed on a small screen. I decided to focus on the essence of nature and people.

How would you define living in Jeju?

Jeju is a place where you can confirm your own existence and live as yourself. I feel that way when I compose a playlist for the day, hear the first song flow in the store just before opening, feel the change of seasons in my body, or conclude a day of love and gratitude with my beloved wife.

What's life like as a worker living and working in Jeju?

In Jeju or any city, the day is 24 hours the same, but the pace feels different. Though the shape of life, the way we work, or the intensity of stress may be similar, the recovery time is faster. With forests and the sea 10 minutes away, I can fully feel the moments of flowers blooming and falling, contemplate against a backdrop of green and red skies, and let myself rest at a slow tempo in tune with the rhythm of nature.

Do you feel like you are living a life true to yourself on the island? What is being true to oneself?

It is said that the meaning of beautiful is the same as being true to oneself. Jeju seems to be a place where many moments resemble myself because I feel it’s beautiful. I often find myself wanting to remember beautiful things and become like them. I believe being able to listen to the inner voice and articulate one's thoughts well is being true to oneself, true to Joe Hyeonsu.

ⓒJoe Hyeonsu

Could you share your favorite inspirational place for workers visiting Jeju?

The Hallasan Circular Trail. It's great because the trail is safe, and you can walk as much as you want according to your condition and stamina. Since it's not a steep hike, anyone can fully enjoy the wonderful nature.

When and how do you rest? What makes you happiest during relaxation?

After work, having a delicious meal with my wife, and on days off, I like going up a nearby oreum or watching dolphins play. I also find peace when I gain good inspiration from artists' works at exhibitions or performances. Although it could feel like work, I genuinely find rest and happiness when participating in various hiking events as a staff member to share and engage in my favorite activities with many people.

ⓒJoe Hyeonsu

What kind of adult do you want to be as more time passes?

I want to be an adult who is as useful to nature as nature has been generous to me.

Text, Photos | Contents Group Jaeju Sanghoe