The leisure industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Korea, as an increasing number of people engage in various leisure activities as a result of the nation's rising living standards. Koreans, by nature, are outgoing and engage in leisure activities with as much enthusiasm as they do work. The many museums, palaces, temples, royal tombs, parks and scenic and historic sites found all across Korea have always been popular sites for family outings and picnics. In recent years, many people seem to find physical exercise as a good way of spending their free time while promoting their overall well-being.

Tennis and jogging are the two most popular morning sports. Those who are more athletically-oriented organize morning soccer teams. Among other activities pursued are swimming, hiking, golfing, skiing, water skiing, salt- and fresh-water fishing, wind surfing and handball. Spectator sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, boxing and ssireum all have an avid following.


Recently, more and more urban residents have tended to spend their holidays away from home. With the rapid increase in privately-owned automobiles, more families travel out of the city to the mountains and beaches on weekends and during holidays. At the same time, watching television and playing janggi (Korean chess) or baduk (go) remain popular ways of spending weekends among many office workers.


Especially on almost every weekend, mountains and hills in the suburbs of cities are filled with hikers and mountaineers. Since Korea's Ko Sang-don reached the summit of Mt. Everest in September, 1977, the number of mountaineers and hikers has markedly increased in recent years. Considering the fact that about 70 percent of the Korean territory is covered with mountains and the Korean people's love of nature, this nationwide enthusiasm for climbing stands to reason.