South Korea | 23.11.13

Stone Factory

Work at the Stone Factory commenced at 8 AM and finished at 5.30 PM, with an hour for lunch, 6 days a week. No wonder the Republic of Korea’s economy is the 10th biggest in the world!  My hands became sore using the heavy grinders and wielding the hammer to crack off the unwanted stone bit by bit. I wore gel filled fingerless mitts as used by road cyclists to help reduce the vibration and it did help.

Some of the tools I used carving stone

Bench top where tools are mended

Cutting large stones at the factory

Forklift manoeuvring the stones

However, it was also necessary to take regular breaks or change of task and stretching exercises to be able to keep going hour after hour. This was my first time working on granite and I have a new respect for those that choose to work in this material. My friend from the Check Republic insisted that the Korean granite was soft compared to the stone in his country. I will think twice before accepting and invitation to go to his country!