KOREAN LEISURE: From Tradition to Modernity

This book is about Korean leisure. With a history that spans nearly five thousand years, traditional festivals and holidays were times when leisure was enjoyed most. Being in close proximity with China, Korea was influenced by its larger neighbour in language, art, religion and architecture. The modernization process has transformed South Korea into a new economic power where workers have witnessed a continuous increase in income and expenditure. With more spending power and legislation enacted for shorter working weeks, the leisure domain has also been transformed. Popular leisure is now adopted into the lifestyles of many Koreans. The consciousness of people towards healthy and constructive leisure activities is evident in the way people conduct their lives. The electronic and communication revolutions have caused an exponential increase in the leisure repertoire of individuals across the lifespan. The world has witnessed how South Korea has been able to organise professional and international sports and cultural events in outstanding ways. Comparisons of leisure participation with advanced societies show that Korean levels are as good as any with the propensity to maintain local culture and to adapt to global influences.