Korean marathon runner Hwang Young-jo won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona in 1992 which created a new surge of interest in marathons in Korea. Go to the image of Hwang in ‘Korea's Marathon History’, Koreana vol 17, no 3, Autumn 2003 (available at http://www.koreana.or.kr > Back Issues ). Design a set of interview questions for this national hero. In small groups, compare your questions. Discuss and categorise these questions and identify those which would provide the best information about the person and those which disclose more general information. Use this work to compile a short profile of Hwang's impact on Korean society using both the article and information from the Internet.
Go to Koreana vol 17, no 3, Autumn 2003 at http://www.koreana.or.kr > Back Issues. Download the PDF files for the articles ‘Korea's Marathon History', ‘Marathons in Korea' and ‘Running Craze in Korea'. Look at the images and brainstorm what the images inspire in you. Use this as the basis for a piece of poetry or writing that is composed from a runner's point of view. For increased effect, find music or sound effects and make a PowerPoint presentation of your work. An Internet search will locate several good sound search engines.
It has been said that there are four million marathon runners in Korea. There are many reasons why Koreans have such passion for running. Read the articles cited above and the ‘Marathon frenzy: As long as I run, I exist' article at the KBS website (available at http://english.kbs.co.kr/life/trend/1347298_11857.html). Construct a comparative table outlining the reasons why Koreans like marathon running, and why you think Australians like marathon running. Then comment on whether you think Australian marathon runners might be motivated by similar reasons.
Reasons why Koreans like marathon running
Reasons why Australians like marathon running
What sports or other recreation activities are Australians passionate about? How does our environment and society influence the things we are passionate about? A starting point for research is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (http://www.abs.gov.au). Survey friends and family in regard to what they like to do for recreation.
Marathon running in Korea has been stimulated by events in Korea's political history and also contributed to national pride. Can you think of any parallels in Australia's sporting history (think of Cathy Freeman and other successful athletes)? Consider the role of AFL star Nicky Winmar, cricketer Sir Donald Bradman during the Depression of 1929–1939, or swimmer Ian Thorpe as a national symbol. Design a PowerPoint presentation or poster which demonstrates the impact that a specific sportsperson or team achievement has had on the larger community and the reasons why.
Respond in a creative way to this topic: As long as I run I exist.
Extension activity: The film Marathon was a runaway box office success in Korea in 2005. Otherwise known as Running Boy, the film is about an autistic youth training to become a marathon runner. You could try to find a copy of this film to watch in class
