Kim Sook and Yuri find healing through sound walking in Jeju

Kim Sook and Yuri concluded their Jeju village journey by participating in a sensory recovery program called "sound walking" in the Gotjawal forest of Mureung-ri on the 1st. Following the departure of Mimi, the two used directional microphones and headphones to listen to the wind and rustling leaves.

Comedian Kim Sook and Girls' Generation's Yuri provided a quiet resonance to viewers as they experienced special comfort from nature in the Gotjawal forest of Jeju.

In the episode of the SBS pilot variety program 'Kareum Stay – She Go' broadcast on the 1st, Kim Sook and Yuri were shown participating in "sound walking" in the Gotjawal of Mureung-ri, Jeju, where they listened intently to the sounds of nature. Instead of flashy sights or special activities, the two focused entirely on natural sounds, prompting a reflection on the true meaning of rest amidst busy daily lives.

'Kareum Stay' is a Jeju village travel program named after "Kareum," an old Jeju word meaning a small village. The program captures the process of the "Kareumz"—comprising Yuri, who lives in Jeju; Kim Sook, who dreams of living in Jeju; and Mimi, who was born in Jeju—as they travel through various Jeju villages to stay and enjoy themselves like locals rather than visiting famous tourist spots.

In this episode, after Mimi, who had traveled with them until the previous day, left for Seoul due to her schedule, Kim Sook and Yuri embarked on their final journey together. The two visited the Gotjawal in Mureung-ri, Jeju, early in the morning to attempt sound walking.

Gotjawal is a unique forest in Jeju where trees and vines grow on rocky fields formed by volcanic activity. The two participated in "sound walking," a sensory recovery program designed to fully feel the sounds of nature.

Dressed practically in sneakers, windbreakers, and hats, Kim Sook and Yuri moved into the forest following the guidance of Kareum Master Kim Sun-il, wearing directional microphones and headphones to amplify the sounds.

The two enjoyed the healing provided by nature by listening to the sounds of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and small sounds emanating from various parts of the forest—noises they might have otherwise overlooked.

Yuri expressed deep satisfaction with the unconventional experience of feeling Jeju's nature through her ears rather than just viewing the scenery with her eyes, exclaiming, "I've never had time to focus entirely on sound like this; it's so healing. Perhaps we needed this kind of time."

Kim Sook also shared her sincere feelings, stating, "I just love nature as it is. I think the comfort provided by the sounds of Gotjawal is greater than any words of consolation."

While the two had engaged in constant cheerful chatter and laughter throughout the trip, they remained quiet during the sound walking to focus on the forest sounds. Their appearance as they walked the forest paths quietly and meditated created a different atmosphere from their previous travels. The sight of the two spending time individually in nature without special conversation left a lingering impression.

Viewers reacted to the footage, expressing curiosity by commenting, "I really want to try a trip like that" and "I'm curious about sound walking."

The Kareumz' Jeju village journey concluded with the Gotjawal sound walking.

Previously, the trio began with "Healing Color Hunting" to find the colors of nature in Jangjeon-ri, enjoyed a special mukbang featuring seafood directly harvested by haenyeo at the Haenyeo Supermarket in Geumneung-ri, and discovered the charm of Jeju village travel by interacting with horses at the Mare Forest horse protection center in Seogwangdong-ri.

Concluding the trip, Yuri remarked, "It was great to experience the time in Jeju that can only be felt in Jeju. It was good to fully feel the passage of time for each of us and to get to know the people I like."

Kim Sook reflected on the special meaning of traveling together, saying, "It was a trip where I could feel the strength of pushing and pulling each other because I had companions."

Mimi, who initially introduced herself as a "City Girl" and expressed little interest in living in Jeju, confessed, "I was worried about whether I could empathize with a nature-centered trip, but it was such a peaceful and happy journey."

Through this trip, the three women, who each have different connections to Jeju, discovered not only the rest provided by nature but also the preciousness of the people they are with. In particular, the Kareumz' journey of walking, listening, and feeling at the pace of nature while briefly stepping away from busy daily life conveyed the simple but deep charm of Jeju villages.

The SBS program 'Kareum Stay – She Go', which captures the pleasant and warm Jeju village travel stories of Kim Sook, Yuri, and Mimi, was broadcast on the 1st and is currently available on Netflix.

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