Sun & Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness & Longevity―An Inspiring Self-Help Guide with a Holistic Approach, Start Your Journey to Wellness Today
A charming, life-changing guide to living a longer, happier, healthier life, rooted in Korean self-care. From the country scientists predict will top longevity charts in 2030.
Ssukgat, or Chrysanthemum greens, are treasured in Korean culture for their healing abilities. You can coax its withered stalks to bloom again, with sun, water, soil, and care. It’s a fitting metaphor for eco-entrepreneur and CEO Michelle Jungmin Bang, who found herself in excruciating pain due to the constant sacrificing of her health and wellness for work—a trade many of us make daily.
Thus started her fascinating journey to overhaul her health and reconnect with her heritage in South Korea. She found answers in the mountains with Buddhist nuns and the keys to microbiome health, a seaside village with haenyeo (female free divers who forage for seafood) and their practice of healing with breath, centenarians with easily adoptable daily habits, and Korean bathhouse culture and its “wellness for everyone” approach to youthful skin. Natural, effective, and environmentally conscious, these ancient traditions have been passed down for centuries in Asia, like gifted heirlooms, and they quietly and radically shift our philosophies on well-being towards preventative care.
Informed by her travels, research, and East-West nutrition training, Michelle reflects on how we can eat for healing, live sustainably, reconnect with nature, form deeper relationships with the Korean concept of Jeong (the warm, invisible connection between loved ones and places), and more. Also included are simple and delicious healing recipes that can be used for recovery, like a mushroom broth the Buddhist nuns turn to for colds; her grandmother’s secret Myeolchi (anchovy) broth; Samgyetang (chicken and ginseng soup) for combatting fatigue; as well as Hoedeopbap (raw fish bibimbap), her most-requested dish that requires no cooking.
Stunningly written and accompanied by Michelle’s gorgeously hand-drawn illustrations and infographics, Sun & Ssukgat is on a mission to empower anyone stuck in the unhealthy whirlwind of modern life to transform our well-being in the little things we do every single day.
Sun & Ssukgat is an absolute gem—thoughtfully written, beautifully designed, and full of timeless wisdom that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. Michelle Jungmin Bang invites readers on an inspiring journey that is equal parts memoir, cultural exploration, and practical guide to healthier living.
Rooted in Korean self-care traditions, Michelle shares the lessons she discovered while reconnecting with her heritage, from healing foods and natural skincare to the importance of community and breath. What sets this book apart is how accessible and empowering it feels; the insights are not just inspiring, they are also achievable through small, meaningful changes in daily life.
Her writing is heartfelt and vivid, and the hand-drawn illustrations add a uniquely warm, personal touch. The healing recipes alone—like mushroom broth and Samgyetang—are worth the read, but it's the broader philosophy of preventative, sustainable wellness that truly resonates.
If you're looking for a beautiful gift for a loved one, a deeper connection to Korean culture, or simply a refreshingly grounded approach to health and happiness, Sun & Ssukgat is a must-read. Michelle's story and spirit shine through every page, making this book a treasure I’ll be returning to again and again.
Nothing new to see or learn here. Basically a recipe book that tries to convince you what you need to eat to be healthy and gives you obvious wellness tips like using your Apple Watch to set a walking goal. Maybe if the recipes had been removed, this could be used as a quick summary to remind you of the things you *should* be doing to stay healthy and well. I would have much preferred this if it had been written as a memoir of the author’s journey.
Sun and Ssukgat is all about the wellness principles author Michelle Jungmin Bang discovered after a health crisis that inspired her to reconnect with her Korean heritage.
The book serves as a heartfelt health primer, covering everything the author found useful from her travels, conversations, and other learning. Inside, you’ll read about the food and other lifestyle habits Michelle found key to her health journey. It's an ambitious book, and Michelle sprinkles anecdotes and research throughout to back up her claims. As a health and science writer, I appreciated that the sources of most or all of the research she mentions is included in the back of the book .
Recommended for readers who want to learn (or need a reminder of) the building blocks of a healthy life, those interested in complementary medicine, and folks fascinated by Korean culture.
This is a beautiful jewel of a book, beautifully written, well researched and soothing. I’m normally running around juggling a hundred different things yet when I sit down with this book, I feel like I can slow down, breathe and dive into this safe world that Michelle Jungmin Bang has so lovingly created, a world that allows me to imagine myself forest bathing in Naejangsan or lying in a bathhouse getting my skin scrubbed or even walking around an organic farms with a dear friend that is explaining how this plant can heal me. The author has so clearly poured so much care into the research and writing of this book and has so generously shared her learnings with us. I’ve loved reading about the health benefits of the various foods and meals. She’s inspired me to adopt some new habits, drinking more teas and warm soups, like leaving the peels on for various fruits and vegetables, although my kids didn’t really enjoy the peel left on the kiwi fruit, preferring to leave it uneaten. But her words of advice have stuck with me, as I shop for groceries and plan meals and she has taught me so much about the deeper meaning behind so many Korean traditions and foods that I have grown up with and took for granted. This is a wonderful gift of a book that feels like an antidote to our busy and stress filled lives and will be a book that I return to time and time again.
Sun and Ssukgat by Michelle Jungmin Bang is a treasure to read. It delved into rich history of Korean wellness (as well as other Asian traditions, history, and recipes) and I felt brighter just reading a chapter or two per day. I love that in contrast to many "cookbooks" or wellness books, it talked about the reason behind each ingredient working in tandem with the others. I've also been trying to learn more about how gut health connects to brain and overall body health, and I appreciated this perspective. It's rich in cultural wisdom and packed with recipes I can't wait to try. I loved reading this on my Kindle Colorsoft so the formatting could shine, but I can't wait to get a physical copy once it's released. I'm also going to be gifting this to a few friends (a few from Korea looking to connect with culture from their grandparents or parents) so they can enjoy it as well!
I liked perhaps most of all that it included lifestyle ideas - one of my favorite chapters talked about fresh air, sunshine, water, rest, exercise, and diet. In a world that is go-go-go and values us *not* resting, this was very refreshing, and reminded me how important self-care is.
It was very well written and presented by the author - 5 stars!
This memoir invites readers to explore the rich traditions of Korean wellness, blending personal stories with cultural insights. It highlights 'ssukgat,' or chrysanthemum greens, as a powerful symbol of renewal and showcases the beauty and resilience found in traditional Korean self-care practices. The book also offers approachable recipes and wellness routines cherished across generations. Accompanied by the author’s delightful illustrations, these recipes demonstrate how to incorporate Korean wellness traditions into daily life.
The author’s narrative is immersive and inspiring, drawing from her travels throughout South Korea. She shares her experiences meditating with Buddhist nuns in serene temples and learning the breathing techniques of the haenyeo, providing an authentic perspective on holistic health. The book emphasizes mindful living, balanced nutrition, and emotional well-being through cultivating meaningful connections, known as 'Jeong.' This work serves as a heartfelt tribute to ancestral wisdom while guiding readers toward balance, longevity, and greater self-awareness.
Be it our heart, soul or mind, Nature has the power to cure everything. Sun and Ssukgat by Michelle is one such read which talks about the Korean tradition of using nature and its gifts to prevent illness from being chronic, embracing the soil air and water, respecting the traditions and culture of Korea as well.
The book speaks about how medical practices using nature and its byproducts have been passed on since generation to generation so that the future generation can live a healthy life. Also the passing down of generational practices and rituals soothe your heart and gives a profound respect to our own culture and tradition as well. The journey about Michelle’s diverse traditions including city to coasts to mountains weaves the theory of how they treat nature as a part of themselves and find cures within nature.
The best part were the multiple healthy recipes shared across the book. Along with it the book emphasizes on how people should start living with nature and embrace and accept the multiple things nature offers us. The book is a guide on how to living a health and balancing life with the right amount of food, nature, exercises and adapting eco friendly habits. The book stands as a remedy for our soul and spirit as well.
Sun and Ssukgat by Michelle stands out as a traditional advice book which rejenuvates our soul, spirit and health. The book offers a series of traditional culture, practices, health remedies passed on from generation to generations for a good healthy lifestyle for everyone. Michelle also shares the different views of a city, village, coastal places to give the vivid background escapes in intervals for the readers.
Her narration about the traditional and cultural background of Korea’s temples to gardens to Jeju’s open waters creates a stir in the readers mind to visit the place. The focus on health leading to prevention rather than turning it into a chronic illness is something which people around the world need to focus on. Her grandmas recipes which she shares with the readers are surely worth trying for.
In a world where people often bury the best available thing, Korea stands out in passing down information to the next generation and finding natural ways to prevent them. The book feels like a warm hug with nature which bridges a balance between the mind and the soul. The Korean culture of tradition, spirituality, adapting nature with today’s technology driven world is something which every country should surely be adapting for.
In all honesty, this book was a pleasant surprise. Michelle Jungmin Bang's Sun and Ssukgat is not another self-help book; it is more like having a sit-down with a wise relative who's imparting lovely, down-to-earth family secrets. It roots the entire idea of self-care in traditions from ancient Korea, which is a welcome change. My favorite part was the travel aspect. She whisks you around Korea, from mountain monasteries to coastal villages, talking to individuals such as the haenyeo divers and Buddhist nuns. It's not theory in practice; you witness this longevity knowledge in the flesh. The emphasis on ssukgat—chrysanthemum greens—as a sign for natural, preventive wellness particularly spoke to me. And, she adds easy, wholesome recipes that really seem within reach, not like some exotic chore. If you're frazzled and hungry for a way to slow down and get to know your own health again, this is a lovely, motivating read.
Michelle’s book is as thoughtful and vibrant as its cover - a true gem that blends ancestral wisdom with modern practicality. With grace and introspection, she takes readers along her own healing journey, offering insights that feel both timeless and refreshingly relevant.
What makes this book special is its ability to transform traditional remedies into simple, actionable habits. Whether you’re new to holistic health or looking to deepen your self-care practice, Michelle’s guidance feels like a supportive friend sharing their best-kept secrets.
A perfect gift for anyone ready to nurture their well-being, or simply seeking inspiration to live more intentionally. Highly recommend!
In *Sun & Ssukgat*, Michelle Jungmin Bang merges Korea’s rich cultural wisdom with practical self-care. Through vivid storytelling, she transports readers to serene temples, Jeju Island’s sea, and Seoul’s bustling bathhouses, weaving in herbal remedies like chrysanthemum greens to prevent illness before it even begins. This isn’t just a health guide—it’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect with *jeong* (deep bonds between people and places), and live harmoniously with nature. The recipes, rooted in her grandmother’s kitchen, feel comforting yet purposeful. Michelle’s eco-conscious ethos challenges Western quick fixes, instead offering healing traditions that are gentle, lasting, and sustainable. A truly uplifting read.
Michelle Jungmin Bang’s *Sun & Ssukgat* celebrates Korea’s ancestral wisdom in a refreshing, heartfelt way. Using chrysanthemum greens as a symbol for prevention and healing, she connects age-old remedies to modern well-being. The narrative takes readers across Korea’s landscapes—mountains with Buddhist nuns, the spirited haenyeo divers of Jeju, and community bathhouses—each scene brimming with warmth and meaning. Her insight into *jeong*, that unspoken connection between people and places, makes the book deeply human. Recipes inspired by her grandmother add a homely touch, while her illustrations breathe life into each page. At its heart, this is a gentle guide for slowing life’s pace and embracing sustainable, soulful living.
Michelle Jungmin Bang’s *Sun & Ssukgat* is a heartfelt tribute to the art of slow living rooted in Korean self-care traditions. The book takes readers across diverse landscapes—from tranquil mountaintop monasteries to the vibrant shores of Jeju—revealing unique perspectives on holistic well-being. Chrysanthemum greens, long valued for healing, anchor her philosophy of prevention. Through stories of *jeong*—connection, compassion, and continuity—she reminds us that wellness thrives in relationships and ritual. Each chapter is enriched with her own illustrations and wholesome recipes reminiscent of her grandmother’s kitchen. This tender, eco-conscious narrative blends culture, warmth, and wisdom seamlessly.
*Sun & Ssukgat* feels like a gentle conversation with a wise friend. Michelle Jungmin Bang shares stories of Korean remedies and rituals as if she’s passing down family secrets. From the healing chrysanthemum greens to the warmth of *jeong*, each page wraps you in comfort. Her travels—from serene mountains to Jeju’s shores—remind us that true wellness blossoms when we live in harmony with nature. The recipes, lovingly inspired by her grandmother, are both nourishing and nostalgic. This book doesn’t preach; it quietly guides you toward living with intention, sustainability, and care for your own well-being.
Michelle Jungmin Bang offers a tapestry of travel, tradition, and tender advice in *Sun & Ssukgat*. She invites readers to witness Korea’s beauty—from temple gardens to Jeju’s open waters—while introducing preventive remedies like chrysanthemum greens. Her exploration of *jeong*, the profound connection between people and places, resonates deeply. Recipes rooted in her grandmother’s cooking add depth and warmth. By encouraging slow living and eco-friendly habits, Michelle shows that happiness and health don’t come from urgency but from gentle, consistent care. This is self-care wrapped in cultural richness.
*Sun & Ssukgat* by Michelle Jungmin Bang is a soothing journey through Korea’s timeless wellness traditions. Rooted in preventive care, the book emphasizes nature’s power to heal before illness begins. Chrysanthemum greens, symbolic of this belief, represent the harmony between body and environment. Through her travels—from monastic mountains to Jeju’s brave divers—Bang introduces readers to the essence of *jeong*, a deep emotional connection that binds people and places. The inclusion of her grandmother’s recipes adds authenticity and tenderness. With her beautiful illustrations, she transforms ancient wisdom into a modern self-care practice that feels both gentle and profound.
Michelle Jungmin Bang’s *Sun & Ssukgat* celebrates the quiet strength of Korean culture and the beauty of sustainable living. The concept of healing through nature, symbolized by chrysanthemum greens, reveals how prevention can be an act of love. As she journeys through Korea’s mountains, coastline, and bustling bathhouses, Bang redefines wellness through connection—what Koreans call *jeong*. Her heartfelt reflections and comforting recipes invite readers to rediscover the joy of simplicity. This is more than a guide; it’s a poetic exploration of harmony between people and the earth, written with grace and sincerity.
In *Sun & Ssukgat*, Michelle Jungmin Bang offers readers a rare blend of travelogue, cultural reflection, and wellness wisdom. She shares the beauty of age-old Korean practices, focusing on chrysanthemum greens as a metaphor for preventive healing and resilience. The gentle rhythm of her storytelling mirrors the calm she advocates for, flowing through temples, coastal villages, and Seoul’s spa culture. The concept of *jeong* runs throughout, illuminating how emotional and physical health intertwine. With recipes handed down through generations and vivid personal reflections, this book uplifts, nurtures, and inspires a return to mindful, sustainable living.
Sun & Ssukgat* by Michelle Jungmin Bang rejuvenates both mind and spirit through its blending of culture, remembrance, and care. Centering around the Korean belief in preventing illness through nature, Bang highlights the humble chrysanthemum greens as a symbol of restoration. Traveling across serene landscapes, she introduces age-old practices, heartfelt communal bonds, and the Korean essence of *jeong*. Recipes inspired by generations past offer readers comfort alongside insight. With evocative descriptions and a deep respect for sustainability, Bang redefines modern wellness as balance, reflection, and gratitude—a soulful alternative to today’s hurried lifestyles.
Sun & Ssukgat feels like taking a walk through nature guided by someone who deeply understands both culture and the soul. Michelle Jungmin Bang shares Korean self-care traditions that encourage slowing down, reconnecting, and preventing illness before it begins. Her writing is lyrical but rooted in practicality—especially when she describes everyday routines that preserve balance. I was moved by her reflections on jeong the invisible thread of connection between people and places. The stories, health tips, and recipes make the wisdom tangible and inspiring. A beautiful, healing read for those yearning to escape modern stress without losing modern joy.
This is a beautiful book - a deep dive into Korean self-care and wellness traditions. Perfect for anyone embarking on (or already on) a wellness journey. Likewise perfect for anyone burning the candle at both ends and looking for techniques to slow down and practice self-care. It's full of techniques which can be easily incorporated into our daily lives, wherever in the world we may be. I'm looking forward to trying the recipes and remedies.
It's a lovely format and size - a great gift to yourself and to others!
This book encourages a simple yet profound way of living. "The Whole Plant: A Zero-Waste Approach" is an eye-opening look at how we can get more out of our food while reducing waste. By highlighting the nutritional benefits of peels and other often discarded parts, the author provides a practical and inspiring guide to a more sustainable and healthy diet. The chapter's focus on a "whole plant" mindset makes you rethink how you shop and cook. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to live more mindfully.
Sun and Ssukgat is actually a breath of fresh air. Reading it is like receiving the best, most loving health advice from generations of Korean families. Michelle Bang doesn't merely offer advice; she shares wonderful stories—such as encountering the well-known "mermaid" divers and shy mountain nuns. It emphasizes simple, wholesome means of maintaining your own health, as well as wonderful, reassuring recipes. If you require a stimulating, lovely book to assist you in slowing down and learning how to really feed yourself, pick this one up. It's sweet.
In *Sun & Ssukgat*, Michelle Jungmin Bang redefines wellness by drawing on centuries of Korean knowledge. Preventive remedies like chrysanthemum greens are paired with the concept of *jeong* to show how health is intertwined with relationships and environment. Her journey takes us from Buddhist nun-led mountain retreats to Jeju’s courageous haenyeo divers. Alongside vibrant travel moments, readers find heartfelt recipes that embody care and sustainability. It’s a book that whispers: happiness is in the rhythm of nature, and health grows when we slow down to listen.
Michelle Jungmin Bang’s *Sun & Ssukgat* isn’t just about self-care—it’s about belonging. Through Korean cultural wisdom, she reveals how remedies like chrysanthemum greens can heal both body and spirit. Her travels, whether to Seoul’s bathhouses or Jeju’s shores, radiate authenticity. The idea of *jeong* enriches each story, creating emotional resonance that pairs beautifully with recipes reminiscent of family gatherings. Michelle’s approach is eco-conscious yet deeply personal, reminding us that caring for ourselves starts with caring for the world around us.
In *Sun & Ssukgat*, life’s pace slows as Michelle Jungmin Bang invites us to savor traditions passed down through Korean families. Chrysanthemum greens take center stage as a symbol of healing and prevention. Through heartfelt travel narratives—from mountain monasteries to urban bathhouses—we see how wellness is woven into everyday life. Recipes from her grandmother’s kitchen bring a tangible layer of comfort, and *jeong* serves as the emotional thread that binds it all. This book is an antidote to modern chaos, urging a return to nature’s embrace.
Michelle Jungmin Bang’s writing in *Sun & Ssukgat* is soothing yet awakening. She draws on Korean customs to highlight the importance of early prevention and natural remedies. Her travels reveal diverse traditions, from Jeju’s women divers to Seoul’s steaming bathhouses. *Jeong*, that enduring connection to people and places, becomes a quiet guide throughout the book. Recipes, stories, and illustrations combine to create an experience that feeds the soul and body alike. This is a manual for sustainable joy, wrapped in cultural elegance.
*Sun & Ssukgat* carries a rare intimacy. Michelle Jungmin Bang’s personal journey unfolds through places, people, and plants—most notably chrysanthemum greens, a cherished healing herb. Whether describing the meditative spaces of Buddhist nuns or the salty vigor of Jeju’s divers, her storytelling captures the essence of *jeong*. Recipes interlaced with memories make the wellness advice feel lived-in, not prescribed. For anyone seeking to balance modern life with ancient wisdom, this book offers both direction and comfort.
Michelle Jungmin Bang’s *Sun & Ssukgat* gently unravels centuries-old Korean self-care traditions, reminding us of the beauty in preventive healing. Through a blend of travel writing and cultural insight, the healing heritage of chrysanthemum greens takes center stage. Each chapter brims with stories from temples, seasides, and bustling cities, all tied together with *jeong*. Recipes add flavor—both literally and emotionally—to the narrative. It’s an inspiring read for those craving balance, sustainability, and meaningful connection in their daily lives.