Enjoying Leisure

Abstract

Sadly, Korea has never made the headlines as a primary Asian tourist destination, hence business visitors often fail to realise what a rich diversity of places there are to see and experience on this peninsula. Korea is a country with a splendid mountain landscape which vividly changes colour through the four seasons. Spring is heralded by yellow forsythia and the purple haze of azalea. The deep green of the summer months gives way to an autumn crescendo of red and gold which has people flocking in thousands to the country resorts. In winter, the white dusting of snow adds depth and height to the mountain scene. The people’s love, almost obsession, with all things Korean has meant that their culture is freely on show for all to see, in the form of museums, temples and performing arts. One of the joys of visiting and living in Korea is to have the opportunity to explore and absorb some of this spectacular beauty and unique ancient tradition. The contrast between the hustle and bustle of Korea’s main cities and the absolute peace of a temple in a wooded valley only a few miles away is truly amazing. Even the concrete jungle in Seoul has surprising havens of tranquility tucked away around street corners, particularly in the hilly northern part of the city.

A distant journey ahead begins only when the first step has been taken.

Korean proverb