Cast of Characters
Main Characters
Author Jeong
정찬주 · Jeong Chanju · Dharma name: Muyeom (무염)
Buddhist novelist and narrator, traveling to Austria with Mrs. Park.
Mrs. Park
박명숙 · Park Myeongsuk · Dharma name: Muryanggwang (무량광)
Ceramic artist, Author Jeong’s wife, and precise keeper of the journey’s details.
Mr. Willi
헤르베르트 빌리 · Herbert Willi
Austrian composer from Montafon whose music turns on silence, illness, memory, and peace.
Dr. Werner
베르너 슈토킹거 · Werner Stockinger · “Dr. Bae,” Bae Hoon-a (배훈아)
Austrian friend and guide whose affection for Korea gives the journey one of its warmest threads.
Chairwoman Kwon
권숙녀 · Kwon Suk-nyeo · Sonja Steindl-Kwon
Korean expatriate in Austria and the persistent friend who brings Author Jeong and Mr. Willi together.
Historical & Religious Figures
Venerable Beopjeong
법정
Renowned Korean Seon master, author of Musoyu (Non-possession), lived at Bulil-am hermitage
Venerable Seongcheol
성철
Famous Korean Seon master
Syngman Rhee
이승만
Dr. Rhee - Korea's first president, historical figure
Francesca Donner
프란체스카 도너
Mrs. Francesca - wife of Dr. Rhee
Hong Gisam
홍기삼
Professor Hong - former president of Dongguk University
King Sejong
세종대왕
King Sejong the Great - creator of Hangeul
Shinmi
신미
Buddhist monk who helped King Sejong create Hangeul
Admiral Yi Sun-sin
이순신
Korean naval commander, hero of the Imjin War, inventor of the turtle ship (geobukseon)