Kang “Kay” Soo-il’s journey reflects a transformative adventure, starting from his demanding position at Samsung Electronics to a fulfilling life as a farmer in South Korea. Here’s a recap of his story:
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### From Corporate Life to the Countryside
At 31, feeling burned out as a software developer, Kang decided to quit his job and travel. Coincidentally, his childhood friend Lily, a flight attendant, decided to do the same. They reconnected, started dating, and married within months.
Together, they embarked on a two-year journey across Russia, Europe, and the Americas, funded by their savings. During their travels, they noted a stark contrast in how farming is perceived between Canada, where local farmers took pride in their work, and South Korea, where farming often has a stigma.
### Rediscovering Roots
Returning to South Korea in 2020, they took over Lily’s family’s third-generation farm, originally named Ssabdari Deodeok, specializing in deodeok (bonnet bellflower). They rebranded it as Deodeokmong (Dream of Deodeok) and faced the challenge of market demand, often having to discard nearly half of their produce due to its appearance.
Determined to maximize their yield, they shifted their strategy, creating popular products like butter cookies and lattes infused with deodeok. They also secured a government grant that significantly aided their business development.
### Balancing Family Life and Farming
Today, they have a five-year-old daughter and are expecting their second child. Despite the challenges of managing a farm and parenting, Kang advises anyone considering leaving corporate life for farming to test the waters first and to be well-prepared with knowledge not just in agriculture, but also in business and marketing.
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Kang’s story highlights the bravery and hard work required to transition from traditional corporate roles to a fulfilling, albeit challenging, lifestyle centered around agriculture and family.
