[W Forum] Small Happiness Is Always By Your Side

Although my daughter’s future aspirations change quite frequently, she says she wants to try working as a variety show PD at a broadcasting station. If she can create entertaining variety programs that bring small joys to people during their occasional breaks, it would be something to wholeheartedly welcome.

Recently, I watched a program that provided lodging and meals in a quiet hanok for foreigners staying in Korea. Since it was a program that conveyed simple happiness, I am full of anticipation for the next episode.

First of all, even experiencing nature through the screen brings a sense of calm to the mind. It seemed as if the participants were selected based on “how positive a person they are,” as they were all full of smiles and adapting with open minds to new experiences.

Watching an American family excitedly discover the agungi (traditional Korean hearth) while exploring the structure of a hanok, which is quite different from modern living spaces, warmed the hearts of viewers as well.

When lying down on the floor heated by ondol (underfloor heating), the body can be kept warm, but the explanation that the face outside the blanket feels the coolness of winter as it is led a Ukrainian guest to say, “That might actually be much better for the skin,” which was touching.

Regarding hanoks, I initially thought, “It must be inconvenient because a lot of care is needed to prevent structural warping due to weather and humidity, and there is no space to store things.” However, their mindset was quite different from mine.

Overall, the foreign guests showed a relaxed and friendly attitude. Although they came here from different places with different jobs and purposes, they quickly opened their hearts to each other and became friends.

Seeing parents respond to their children’s nonstop talking with laughter and warmth, and friends expressing their impressions of Korea with the most beautiful phrases made me wonder, “When was the last time I leisurely listened to someone’s story?”

Inviting someone into your home, warmly welcoming them, and serving a satisfying meal is never an easy task. The actors working as a team divided their duties such as greeting guests, explaining the facilities, cooking, and serving, and their best efforts were fully captured on screen.

A program where the same people opened a temporary restaurant abroad with a similar purpose aired just three years ago. Back then, they made unexpected mistakes repeatedly, but now they can easily prepare excellent dishes on their own and even prepare necessary ingredients without being told, which was admirable.

Although their efforts three years ago, though clumsy, would have been beyond reproach, their ability to fully demonstrate their improved skills now seemed to prove that they are true professionals.

Each person had clearly defined roles, but when short-handed, they helped each other’s tasks as if they were their own, which was exemplary. Sometimes, our own shortcomings lie in thinking only our work is difficult and not looking out for others.

Finally, seeing people praise the hard work of others rather than themselves made me realize how admirable those who give compliments are.

The maturity to quietly elevate colleagues rather than stepping forward to shine in front of guests impressed by satisfactory service will be the driving force for mutual trust and joyful work.

No matter where we are or what work we do, even if we are busy without a moment’s rest, I vow to enjoy that work with a positive mind while looking out for each other.

Yoon Bo-won, Sales Executive, Hana Financial Investment Club1WM Center

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.