Korea - The Land of the Morning Calm [Photo Essay Contest]
The Korea JoongAng Daily hosted its first photo essay contest for elementary, middle and high school students on the theme: “Promote the beauty of Korea to foreign countries." The contest ran from October to November. Photos containing scenes of traditional culture, family love, places to see and tasty treats in Korea were submitted for the contest.
Colin Choi from Korea International School won the bronze prize in the middle school category for this photo essay.
The breathtaking beauty of Korea transcends simple descriptions or catchphrases. Perhaps what distinguishes Korea the most is its distinctive environmental landscape, characterized by majestic mountains and sparkling beaches. This unique combination of natural wonders has aptly earned Korea the title "Land of the Morning Calm." This moniker captures the essence of Korea's peaceful, temple-strewn mountains and tranquil forests, where the first light of dawn greets the Asian continent.
Mountains, comprising about 70% of Korea's terrain, are interspersed throughout the nation, contrasting with the flat landscapes of many other countries. These mountains offer a unique fusion of natural splendor and community. Among these natural giants, Seoraksan holds a place of distinction. Perched in the northeast, Seoraksan rises to an impressive 1,708 meters at Daecheongbong Peak. Visitors are treated to spectacular views, peaceful mountain streams, and a rich array of flora and fauna. Farther afield, on Jeju Island, the mighty Mount Halla, a slumbering giant of a dormant volcano, commands respect and admiration with its imposing presence. The trails that snake up its flanks offer a journey through a kaleidoscope of natural beauty, culminating in the ethereal Baengnokdam, a crater lake that mirrors the heavens a serene, glassy expanse reflecting the endless sky.
In the urban heartbeat of Seoul, the land's contours play a pivotal role in shaping the city's character. Buildings, both residential and commercial, cling to the rolling hills, creating a cityscape that ebbs and flows with the natural topography. Roads curve and climb, tracing the land's natural architecture. In this dynamic metropolis, mountains like Bukhansan and Namsan are not distant landmarks but integral parts of daily life. They offer urban dwellers a quick escape to nature, with Bukhansan's celebrated hiking trails and panoramic city views, and Namsan's iconic N Seoul Tower, a symbol of Seoul's sky-reaching aspirations. This interplay of city and nature encapsulates the essence of Korean living a harmonious blend of the modern and the timeless, the urban and the natural.
Korea's rugged mountains give way to its pristine beaches, each with its own unique charm. Being a peninsula with the ocean encircling it on three sides, Korea's rich history and culture are deeply intertwined with its maritime landscape. This symbiotic relationship is evident in the country's coastal allure. Busan's Haeundae Beach, for instance, is a quintessential example of this blend a bustling urban oasis with an expansive sandy shore. It is also the site of the renowned Busan International Film Festival, attracting a global audience to its scenic locale. Equally captivating is Gwangalli Beach, which transforms into a visual wonder at night. The spectacular view of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge, along with the glow from surrounding buildings, creates an enchanting nocturnal tableau, making it a cherished spot among both locals and tourists. In these sandy shores, one can indulge in a rich array of exotic seafood cuisines, ranging from succulent oysters and clams to the unique flavors of eels, raw squid, and octopuses, each offering a taste of Korea's diverse coastal bounty.
Korea's remarkable landscape of towering mountains, serene forests, and pristine beaches, echoes the tranquility and beauty suggested by this moniker. Its unique blend of urban and natural elements, intertwined with rich cultural and historical threads, produces a landscape that is both timeless and distinctly Korean. This harmony of nature and culture indeed justifies its poetic name as the Land of the Morning Calm.
By Colin Choi, Korea International School
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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