- Pet Rocks: A Growing Trend in Overworked South Korea
- The Wall Street Journal reports that a growing number of South Koreans are turning to pet rocks as a way to cope with the stress of long working hours.
Source: http://minishop.gmarket.co.kr/goodlifestore
A new trend of 'companion stones' (반려돌) has emerged recently. Companion stones, as the name suggests, refer to stones that people keep as companions, and people are finding comfort and stability through them.
Foreign media have reported on this trend, attributing it to Korea's excessively fatigued overwork culture.
'Interaction between stones and humans' was the subject of a paper written byProfessor Shin Jeong-su of the Korea Research Institute of Human Scienceswho offered a slightly different perspective.
Professor Shin Jeong-su's paper from Korea Research Institute of Human Sciences (Source: RISS Domestic Academic Paper)
Korea has long been called an 'overwork society'.
However, the recent surge in popularity of the companion stone culture is too complex to be interpreted solely as a coping mechanism for overwork.
Professor Shin Jeong-su viewed the companion stone culture through the lens of a shift from anthropocentrism to posthumanism.
In the past, the dominant mindset was that humans controlled and utilized nature. However, recently, the perception that humans and nature are equal partners has been spreading. Companion stones can be seen as a cultural symbol that conveys the message that humans are part of nature and that they should interact with and respect nature.
Of course, there's a possibility that the stress and anxiety of an overwork society influenced the rise of the companion stone culture.
However, he argues that companion stones should be understood not simply as stress-relieving tools, but as a cultural phenomenon that explores a new relationship between humans and nature.
Interaction with Stones: Past and Present
The interaction between people and stones is not a recent phenomenon.
This culture, which originated in the Goryeo Dynasty, flourished further during the Joseon Dynasty, and by the 19th century, it blossomed into the culture of ornamental stones (수석) and grotesque stones (괴석).
Rock (Source: Naver Wiki)
Reasons for the Companion Stone Craze
Disconnection from Nature due to Computer Use: Modern people who spend long hours in front of computers may feel a sense of detachment from nature.
Companion stones can offer solace to those who yearn for a connection with nature.
Affordability and Easy Maintenance: Unlike companion animals, companion stones are inexpensive and easy to care for.
This makes them an attractive option, especially for those facing economic hardship.
Emotional Stability: Human relationships can cause hurt, but companion stones provide comfort and stability without emotional wounds.
From 'Anthropocentrism' to 'Posthumanism': Professor Shin Jeong-su also interprets the companion stone culture as an expression of posthumanism, moving away from anthropocentrism to interact with nature and objects.
Overwork Society: Korea is renowned for its overwork culture. Companion stones have emerged as an alternative culture to relieve stress and fatigue associated with overwork.
Finding Your Own Companion Stone
Instead of buying companion stones from stores, it's recommended to find them yourself in the mountains or receive them as gifts.
This is because companion stones found or gifted personally hold a more special meaning.
Life with a Companion Stone
Companion stones are not mere decorative items; they allow you to connect with nature, gain emotional stability, and reflect on the meaning of life.
Rather than dismissing the companion stone trend as simply a byproduct of an overwork society, it should be understood as a new cultural phenomenon that reflects changing human-nature relationships.
This offers crucial insights into the values our society should strive for and the direction we should head towards in the future.
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