Time-slip history comic follows characters from 'My Secret Friend Haechi' animation

First volume spotlights four major Seoul heritage sites across four historical eras

Reviewed by Seoul National University historians; on-site museum guide included

The cover of "Korean History Time Travel." [Provided by Kids Icon]
The cover of "Korean History Time Travel." [Provided by Kids Icon]

Kids Icon, the book publishing brand of Iconix, announced Monday the release of the first volume of "Korean History Time Travel," a children's history comic that teaches Korean history through popular animated characters.

The series follows the main characters of the animation "My Secret Friend Haechi" as they time-slip into the past to experience the lives of their ancestors and the history behind Korea's cultural heritage sites.

The cast includes Haechi the gate guardian, elementary school students Yunho, Sena and Dongjun, and Mia, a visitor from the spirit world — all working together to bring history to life at a level children can easily follow.

The first volume focuses on four major cultural heritage sites in Seoul: the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site (Neolithic period), Pungnaptoseong (Baekje kingdom), Gyeongbokgung (Joseon dynasty) and Seodaemun Prison (Japanese colonial era).

Rather than simply listing historical facts, the book is designed to lead children from the page to the actual sites in person.

An appendix includes practical information, exhibition details and visiting tips for the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Museum, the Hanseong Baekje Museum and Seoul Baekje Children's Museum, the National Palace Museum of Korea, and the Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

The text was written by Kim Gyeong-hui, author of children's history titles including "Let's Go! Time Travel to UNESCO World Heritage Sites," with illustrations by Yu Hui-seok, known for the comic series "Manhwa Cultural Heritage Field Trips."

Academic review was provided by Professor Kim Tae-ung of Seoul National University's Department of History Education and the university's research group "Seoul National University Roots of History Tree."

Kids Icon said it hopes the new title will help children feel a closer connection to Korea's cultural heritage and serve as a practical guide for hands-on field trips.

The source animation, "My Secret Friend Haechi," follows Haechi — a visitor from the spirit world — and Yunho, an ordinary elementary school student. Set in Seoul, the series blends magical mishaps with a wide-ranging adventure to track down a mysterious figure from the spirit realm.


silverpaper@heraldcorp.com