For those living in Seoul, it’s easy to conclude that the urban swath of concrete grays and muddy browns is all there is to see in Korea. Yet those who look up can glimpse crests of mountains, seemingly faraway yet thankfully ever-present. Such is Korean nature?never imposing or intimidating, forever patiently waiting for us to take notice. In a way, this book was written in the hope of encouraging more readers to take notice of this subdued, yet spectacular, beauty.
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1
Symbol of Seoul, the Hangang River
Background and Geography
History of the Hangang River
Ecology Parks
Beyond the “Miracle of the Han”
Chapter 2
Three Major Mountains
Mt. Bukhansan: Seoul’s Stronghold
Mt. Jirisan: A Warm Embrace
Mt. Seoraksan: Korea's Spiritual Touchstone
Chapter 3
Surrounded on Three Sides by Sea
A History on the Ocean
West Sea: The Rich Tidal Flats of the Yellow Sea
East Sea: Deep Waters, New Hope
South Sea: Many Islands, Many Flavors
Food and Lifestyle
Chapter 4
Rich Wetlands
Korea's Wetlands: Five Wetlands, Five Colors
Upo Wetlands: A Masterpiece of Nature
The Future of the Wetlands
From Reclamation to Conservation
Chapter 5
Treasure of Nature, Jeju
Olle Trails
The Volcanic Island
Lifestyles and People
Appendix
Information
Delving Deeper
·Cafes on the Hangang River
·Temple Stays
·The Dragon King
·Migratory Birds
·Samseonghyeol
·Korea's Trails 9