The Intelligence from The Economist Going around the bloc: Europe’s vaccination push
Dec 28, 2020
Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist, discusses the EU's vaccination efforts, highlighting the challenges and unity within the bloc despite initial delays. Meanwhile, Lena Shipper, the Korea correspondent, explores South Korea's distinctive hiking culture, where climbs symbolize personal and national identity. She shares insights on how different climbers embrace this passion and the balance between work and leisure, all while reflecting on the recent tumultuous year for the British royal family.
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Speed Hiking
- Lena Shipper joined a Korean hiking group known for their speed and efficiency.
- They take early morning buses, hike rapidly, take selfies, and return quickly.
Accessibility of Mountains
- South Korean mountains are numerous, relatively low (under 2,000 meters), and accessible.
- Even Seoul residents can easily access mountains for short hikes.
History of Hiking
- Hiking as leisure emerged recently, alongside the development of national parks in the 1960s.
- Some link this to the military dictatorship's promotion of hiking as team-building.