The Book of Fish

In 1801, during the Catholic Persecution, scholar Jeong Yak-jeon is exiled to Heuksando, a remote island at the edge of the kingdom.

Fascinated by the island’s rich marine life, he decides to write a book about the creatures of the sea and seeks the help of Chang-dae, a young fisherman with extensive local knowledge. Chang-dae initially refuses to assist a convicted exile, but Yak-jeon soon discovers that the young man has been struggling to study on his own.

“I’ll trade my knowledge for your knowledge of fish.”

The two begin exchanging what they know, gradually becoming both teachers and friends despite their frequent disagreements. But when Yak-jeon learns that Chang-dae’s studies are driven by his ambition to rise in the world, he is deeply disappointed. Realising that they ultimately seek different paths in life, Chang-dae decides to leave his teacher behind and venture into the wider world.