Find out more about marathons. Write your own investigation questions including: What are they? Why do people participate? Who participates? How old are they? Where do they run in Korea and Australia?
In Koreana vol 17, no 3, Autumn 2003, p 27 (available at http://www.koreana.or.kr > Back Issues), a reporter said that marathon running in Korea has also boosted offshoot industries such as sportswear and running equipment. Write a business report for a journal explaining the economic benefits of marathons.
Some Seoul residents talk about ‘marathon pollution'. What do you think this might mean? Think about the impact of having thousands of runners in the streets. Can you suggest any negative aspects of marathon running? (see Koreana vol 17, no 3, Autumn 2003, p 27, available at http://www.koreana.or.kr > Back Issues).
Marathons have played
an exciting
part in Korea's history. Investigate why by exploring Korea's marathon history in Koreana vol 17, no 3, Autumn 2003, pp 4–12 (available at http://www.koreana.or.kr > Back Issues). You can also find out more about the sport in other parts of that journal.
Look at the image of the Namdaemun Gate in the centre of this image, and make sure you have read the rollovers. Search for close views of the Gate and the nearby Namdaemun market. In a small group, share your thoughts about what these images tell you about life in Seoul.
Also in the Koreana vol 17, no 3, Autumn 2003 (available at http://www.koreana.or.kr > Back Issues) you can read about regional marathons including the Daegwallyeong International Topless marathon and the Bukhansan International Mountain marathon, where people carry dirt up the mountain to cover exposed tree roots! Write a news report on these events.
