Naju Scholar Geun-ok and Abandoned Dog Sani's Snowy Mountain Date

In the snow-covered foothills of Naju, Jeollanam-do, live Geun-ok, who dreams of living a modern-day scholar's life, and his best friend, his companion dog Sani. The KBS Animal Theater "Best Friends" episode broadcast on January 21, 2023, captured the special daily life of these two beings enjoying time together in the snowy mountains.

Trumpet playing and snow flower dates in the snowy mountains

In the forests of Naju where white snow has settled, Geun-ok and his companion dog Sani spend time running around in the snowfields. Geun-ok is a beginner trumpet player who has been learning for 1 year and 5 months, and because the sound of the trumpet is so loud, he visits the secluded mountains to practice. Sani stays near where his dad's playing can be heard, spending time together. After running excitedly in the snowfield, snow flowers hang heavily on Sani's legs, making him look like a 'snowman.'

After finishing their snowy mountain date for about two hours, Geun-ok returns home, takes off his wet padded jacket, and washes Sani in the kitchen sink. According to Geun-ok's explanation that it is more convenient to wash him in the sink because Sani takes a long time in the bathroom, Sani responds by spinning his tail like a helicopter in joy. In winter, Sani's designated seat is in front of the warmest heater.

A connection made in a greenhouse, Sani who became family from an abandoned dog

The connection between Sani and Geun-ok dates back to 2017. At that time, Sani was an abandoned dog found by chance at a greenhouse farm, looking pitiful. When the farm owner suggested taking him, the two became family as Sani did not leave Geun-ok's side and followed him closely. The name 'Sani,' given by his middle school daughter, carries the meaning of wishing for a long life. In winter, Sani shows a deep bond by sleeping together in Geun-ok's main room under a pink blanket.

Geun-ok says, "He is not a being I am raising, but a being who came to me to live together," and adds that that warmth is the proof that they are family. The two beings, who understand each other just by looking into each other's eyes, live as best friends, staying by each other's side and sharing sweet romance.

A Gat-shaped house embodying the scholar's spirit and Daebong persimmon farming

Geun-ok's house boasts a unique structure. It is a house he completed in 3 years and 6 months after drawing the blueprints himself, modeled after the traditional scholar's 'gat' (hat). The shape of the house takes a 'Z' shape, which represents family prestige, and at the top, there is a pavilion where one can feel as if they are drinking tea above the clouds. Geun-ok aims for a clean life, embodying the scholar's spirit of 'Hyeongseoljigong' (studying hard under the light of fireflies and snow).

Meanwhile, beyond the front yard of the house, there is a 1,000-pyeong scale Daebong persimmon orchard that has continued for 15 years. Geun-ok, a farmer in his 5th year, experienced a year where only a single persimmon grew because farming was harder than expected, but he is currently moving past the beginner farmer stage and continuing to farm steadily. The Daebong persimmons harvested last autumn are being carefully stored in the warehouse.

Besides Sani, large dogs Mong-i and Butgo live with Geun-ok. Mother Mong-i and son Butgo, who look exactly like each other, share a peaceful daily life with Geun-ok. Showing extra-large aegyo (cuteness) fitting for their size, they are spending a warm winter in Geun-ok's house.