Korean bestseller on finding fulfilling life to hit bookshelves around the world

Rhee's comforting book 'If You Live To 100, You Might As Well Be Happy' offers guidance for attaining ordinary happiness at any age. Photo: The Korea Herald/Asia News Network

People are now living longer, well up to the age of 100. Many things have changed compared to 100 years ago, but the pursuit of happiness remains a constant thread.

Rhee Kun-hoo was in his 70s and retired from a prestigious career in psychiatry when he took up writing. Born in 1935, the 88-year-old lived in a pastoral society in his youth, survived the Korean War (1950-1953), witnessed turbulent events in Korean history and even served time in prison for opposing the country’s totalitarian government.