“A place where everything is open and possible
Where something can begin
“Standing on a path made over a thousand years.”

Son Mina found on the Camino de Santiago in Spain
A message of hope and encouragement

One day, the Camino de Santiago called me.

Author Son Mi-na's book, "Spain, You Are Free," which describes her study abroad life in Spain, made the hearts of 300,000 readers flutter.
This book gave many people the courage to take on challenges, and for Son Mina, it was also a turning point in her journey to become a travel writer.
He has gradually added titles to his resume, including being a bestselling author of 13 books, a broadcaster, the principal of Alain de Botton's School of Life, an editor at HuffPost Korea, and a YouTube creator.


There were many wonderful things that happened during that time, but there were also bitter and painful experiences.
There were times when I persevered, times when I fell and got back up, and times when I experienced burnout.
I sometimes wavered on whether this path was right, and I was tired of the twists and turns of life.


Then one day, I heard the voice of 'The Way of Santiago' calling me.
I had known about the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage since it was new in Korea, but it had been over twenty years since I had put it on my bucket list, thinking, "Someday."
There is a saying that it is not our choice when to walk the Camino de Santiago, but that the Camino de Santiago calls us. There was a firm resonance of 'right now, now is the time to walk it', and I set out on the Camino de Santiago without fear or hesitation.


So, in May 2022, Son Mina embarked on the 800km pilgrimage to Santiago.
Although I pushed my body to its limits while walking 800km in 40 days, my mind became clearer.
Thoughts and emotions constantly arose in my mind.
Until now, I had only heard the sounds outside, but in Santiago, I was able to focus on the sounds inside myself.
It was a time when I could fully face my inner self without any interference from anyone.

Son Mi-na's second Spanish book, "It's Okay, Happiness Awaits at the End of the Road," is a compilation of the questions she asked herself and the thoughts that flowed like waves while walking the 800km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
And I also introduce the precious relationships I met on the road.
The author says that he only realized it when he reached the end of the road.
That the words that the Camino de Santiago constantly whispered to him were, “It’s okay.”
This book, which combines Son Mina's deepened thoughts with the beautiful scenery of Santiago, will provide warm encouragement to those who are wavering and weary on the road of life.

It is said that it is not our choice when to walk the Camino de Santiago, but that the path calls when the time comes.
Last spring, I finally heard the 'Camino de Santiago' calling me from within my heart.
It was not a faint, distant drumbeat, but a clear, resolute sound, and I knew intuitively that the moment I had long awaited was now.

---From the "Prologue"

At countless crossroads, which way to go? Should I persevere through the hardships or just let it all go? Should I focus more on my aching legs or on the beautiful scenery and birdsong? Should I obsess over reaching my destination or simply enjoy the moment?
All of this was entirely my choice, as it has been in the face of countless challenges in life.

---From "Chapter 1: Was It a Reckless Challenge?"

I thought it would be cold when it rained, but the warmth of the sunlight hitting my wet body was just as good as a clear day.
Suddenly, I became curious.
What torrential downpours in life have caused you to retreat or turn back out of fear? Wouldn't there be things that would have been better if, instead of avoiding them, you had thrown yourself into the rain? And then, after being drenched, when the brilliant sun rose, you could have enjoyed its warmth and moved forward with a renewed spirit...
As I thought about this, I felt a little braver.

---From "Chapter 2: Where the Wind and the Stars Intersect"

You will find out as you walk the Camino de Santiago.
How welcome and grateful the clouds, the wind, and even the rain are.
The fact that even the times in my life that seemed like bad weather were actually fortunate and thankful days…

---From "Chapter 3 The Gift That Road Gives"

One of the things I learned while walking the Camino, and which I thought I should definitely remember later, was 'the mindset of not overdoing it, not being greedy, and knowing how to accept or give up on the given situation.'
If we have a fundamental respect for nature, the environment, or whatever reality we are given, the challenges we face will approach us a little more smoothly.
For those who know how to pause and wait, other options may soon appear, and unexpected twists and turns may occur.

---From "Chapter 4: Walking the Camino with Your Heart"

After walking over 700km, I realized that the Camino de Santiago was a series of daily choices and challenges.
Just like life.
Just follow the arrows, but sometimes it's not clear where the arrows are pointing, and there are many forks in the road that make you wonder what would have happened if there weren't arrows.
That's just like life.

---From "Chapter 5 The Way of Santiago Resembles Life"

Instead of falling into an endless abyss when unwanted or sad things happen, we must humbly accept that such things are natural in our lives.
The important thing is to cherish the sadness by dressing it in a different color, rather than just burying it in deep sadness.

---From "Chapter 6 All Those Moments Were Me"

Someday, when that path calls, I hope you too will take the leap without hesitation! But even if you find yourself unable to leave reality behind, remember that there's no need to despair.
Because, I can confidently say, the gifts that the Camino de Santiago gives us already exist everywhere in our lives, and above all, deep within our souls.
The only thing that matters is when and how you discover it.
We sincerely wish you good luck on your journey to discover your own treasure.

---From the "Epilogue"