Children giggle, and serenity surrounds the DIS campus grounds. Security guard Chang-do Yoon sits at his security post as inspiration flows through his veins. In the pursuit of poetry, the guard distills the minutiae of the world.

A published poet of two anthologies, Yoon believes soul meets language in the realm of poetry. “I write the sound of my soul; I record my innate talent. They say that poetry is the spirit of literature—the highest peak of the art form. While anyone can write a poem, I am at my happiest when I am writing,” Yoon said. 

Yoon began his literary journey in high school. “In my youth, I was a muncheong (literary youth). I first realized I had a talent for this back in high school, which is what led me into this world,” he said. 

As Yoon developed a profound fascination for literature, he trekked that path to higher education.“I graduated from Dongguk University with a degree in Korean Language and Literature,” Yoon said. 

Yoon attributes his passion to previous writers who paved the way. “Great figures like Midang Seo Jeong-ju, and Muae Yang Ju-dong all came from the Korean Literature department at Dongguk. Being in that department and having such distinguished seniors influenced me greatly,” he said. “I absorbed that literary spirit and studied in my own way because I loved the act of writing poetry so much.”

Despite his love for the craft, it proved inadequate to support his family. 

“When I entered Dongguk University’s Korean Literature department, I saw that the older writers—those active from the colonial era through the 70s—were mostly poor,” he said. “Their work was brilliant, but they lived on the charity of others. I realized that with a family to support, I couldn’t just live in my own head; that would mean sacrificing them. So, I chose life over poetry.”

Yoon then found a recruitment notice for Janeung Education, a company focused on private education and comprehensive cultural learning. Yoon said, “I spent nearly 25 years working within the education industry. I spent a long time teaching children.”

He added, “I truly love being around children and students. I believe that this country can only have a bright future if our students have dreams, and I enjoy spending time with them so much.”

While his professional life took center stage for decades, Yoon returned to his pursuits. “I didn’t write for nearly 30 years, but I came back to poetry in my 60s. My first book was published, and the second followed within about two years because I was so focused on the work,” Yoon said. Titled “Intense Resonance,” the book depicts hardship and poverty, seeking to reclaim desires suppressed by the capitalist ‘invisible hand.’ 

“The second volume was released last September. If you search for the name ‘Chang-do Yoon,’ you will find my work because my books were released by reputable publishers. They have even been introduced in newspapers like the Yeongnam Ilbo and the Daegu Ilbo,” Yoon said. 

Though recognized as a poet, Yoon expresses deep commitment to his new role as a security guard. “Now, regardless of those literary pursuits, I am the gatekeeper of the security office here. I am responsible for the safety of the children and for protecting the school’s physical assets,” he said.

He finds the same warmth from his past teaching role in this new chapter of his life. “Even now, during lunch breaks or rest periods, I feel so much joy just watching the children play,” Yoon said. “Being surrounded by the sound of children’s laughter and their pure, bright energy is the way I keep myself feeling young.”

While his days are filled with vigilant routines, Yoon keeps the creative spark within. He said, “Yet whenever a flash of inspiration hits me, I jot it down quickly in my notes.”