[Bread-Baking Typewriter] Slowly Observing and Feeling the 'Real' World Travel

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] "'The violence of speed' has become law, the fate of the world, and the world's purpose." This is the issue raised by French philosopher Paul Virilio. The field where this is immediately applied is 'travel.'

Cars, trains, and airplanes have drastically reduced travel time, but we have lost the 'process.' It no longer matters where or how we passed by. We simply get on and off the vehicle; only departure and arrival remain. Visiting as many top-tier hotels, restaurants, and attractions as possible to share on social media (SNS) has become the top priority of travel.

'Kinfolk Travel' questions the essence of travel. It is the third book in the Kinfolk series, following 'Kinfolk Table' and 'Kinfolk Garden.' Since its launch in 2011, Kinfolk has been a lifestyle magazine spreading slow life worldwide. In Korea, the Korean translation has been published since 2012.

Kinfolk Travel proposes a new way of traveling: 'looking slowly' and 'feeling slowly.' It encourages experiencing the true stories of cities, not the typical images consumed on SNS or travel guides. For example, listening to architects building postmodern structures in Paris, filled with Gothic and Ottoman styles, or paying attention to the artistic philosophy of fashion designers in Senegal, where desert imagery is strong.

The Kinfolk team traveled to 27 cities across six continents, including Greece, Iceland, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand, delivering stories through the perspectives of various locals. This is an experience that fast-passing outsiders can never know. The large book format offers overwhelming and vivid photos that soothe readers' regrets about not being able to visit the destinations themselves.

Kinfolk Travel is composed of three chapters. The 'Urban' chapter teaches how to view familiar places from new angles. It also introduces ways to explore a city based on specific concepts such as bookstores, architecture, art, fashion, and gastronomy.

The 'Wild' chapter allows us to look at ourselves as part of nature. It presents various places around the world ideal for outdoor activities like birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and cycling.

The 'Transit' chapter focuses on 'transportation,' an essential part of travel. Even if somewhat inconvenient, memorable journeys themselves can become travel experiences. It includes maps that provide an overview of each route, travel tips for specific areas, and information on accommodations and restaurants.

At the end of each chapter, essays on travel are included. They discuss ethical and humanistic reflections on travel itself, such as carbon footprint-free travel and regenerative travel aimed at improving destinations. The joy of in-flight meals, perspectives on global photo spots, and other intriguing keywords that any traveler can relate to are abundant.

"Travel is not about the destination. We focus on how to travel, not where to go," and "It would be great to apply at least one or two ways we explored the world on your next trip," says Kinfolk Travel. It does not belittle any style of travel. Instead, it encourages listening to others' stories and reflecting on the true joy of travel. Now, it is time to set off together.

Kinfolk Travel | Written by John Burns | Translated by Kim Sunhee | Willbook | 348 pages | 33,000 KRW

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