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0:00:04 > 0:00:05- Mountains.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- The upper reaches of the world.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- A challenge and inspiration - for humanity.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- The people of the mountains - are tough and inventive.
0:00:22 > 0:00:27- They've learnt how to live here - and maintain a culture.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Below, the world is getting warmer.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- The climate is changing.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- The mountains are not separate from - the fate of the rest of the planet.
0:00:44 > 0:00:50- From the peaks of Korea to the hills - of the Rwenzori in Africa.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- From the Alps to the Andes.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- From the Rockies to the Himalayas.
0:00:59 > 0:01:05- This is the story of living - on the high parts of Earth.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- The mountains of the world.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- Korea and Wales - have things in common.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- But, on the whole, - it's an unfamiliar country to us.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- I came here three years ago - as a BBC correspondent.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- For Korean people, - the mountains are sacred land.
0:01:53 > 0:02:00- A temple for Buddha has stood on - this mountain for a thousand years.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- Tonight, something magical - is in the air.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- The monks - want to awaken the universe.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- MONASTIC CHANT
0:02:41 > 0:02:47- First, they awaken the heavens as - they strike a plate called an unpan.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- Then, the mokeo fish - will awaken life in the seas.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- This bell, beopgo, - will awaken the entire earth.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- The capital of South Korea, Seoul, - has been my home for three years.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- There's nowhere else on earth...
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- ..where the old and new - are so close together...
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- ..yet so different.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58- Seoul is buzzing.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- It's full of businesses and shops.
0:04:05 > 0:04:11- It's easy to see - why people want to live in the city.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- South Koreans adore everything - that the modern world has to offer.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24- But, under the surface, - they care deeply about other things.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30- What's interesting to me is the - importance of the mountains to them.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- I've gone on a journey - to find the other Korea.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- The Korea that's close to the heart - of so many here.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- A Korea - that rises high above the city.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- For personal reasons - that will become evident...
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- ..it's quite a challenge for me.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- But, as the BBC's correspondent - in the country...
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- ..it's important I understand...
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- ..what drives so many people from - the street to the summit every week.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- A series of mountains - run along the Korean Peninsula...
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- ..ignoring no-man's land, - the demilitarized zone...
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- ..which stands between the South - and the communists of the North.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- A very significant chain, therefore.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- The Korean people - have a name for it, Baekdu-daegan.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- It runs from south to north...
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- ..like a spine for the country.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- The summits are quite low - on the whole...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- ..not much bigger than hills.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- But they fire - the people's imagination.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48- My heart is in Jirisan Mountain. - It's similar to my mother's arms.
0:05:49 > 0:05:50- One, two, three.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51- One, two, three.- - OK, beautiful!
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- The people of the hills - are dear people.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01- They've always looked to the summits - for inspiration.
0:06:02 > 0:06:09- Korean people say, "Under every big - mountain, there's a big hero too."
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- The old heroes are important here.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- But the mountains - are even more important.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- When the modern world - is oppressive...
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- ..the Korean people - retreat to the mountains...
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- ..and try to emulate their virtues.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- When praising someone, we say, - "That person's like a mountain!"
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Extending over the border - to the north...
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- ..they offer hope that some day the - civil war will be just a memory...
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- ..and the country united once more.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- I long to return.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10- I was born and raised there. - So, it's my dream.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- This is the story - of the Korean people...
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- ..and the place the mountains have - in their hearts.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- In the past, the present - and the future.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27- Seoul is a metropolis.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Ten million inhabitants - and it's still growing.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Today, once again...
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- ..it's the success of South Korea's - economy that's in the headlines.
0:07:47 > 0:07:48- Yeah, I can hear you.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- Think back 50 years. - This economy was dirt poor.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54- A peasant economy.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- Now, it's one of the most prosperous - economies on this planet.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Outside the city is another Korea.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- A Korea that hasn't changed - half as suddenly.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- Where the country's history - can be read in the soil.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- This is rice and these - are the famous paddy fields.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- In the mountains' shadow, - this land is very fertile.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- However, the mountainous areas - are finding it tough.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- The rural problems - experienced here...
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- ..are similar to the rural problems - in Wales.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44- Unemployment.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Young, talented people leaving.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Political power - far removed in the city.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- Very few talented people return - to their area of birth to work.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- But here's one, Choi Sunho.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- In the Jirisan National Park, - he's doing something very brave...
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- ..working on the land - with his mother.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- I worked in Seoul for 23 years, - as a picture editor for a newspaper.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- I was Head of Department at - the largest such company in Korea.
0:09:26 > 0:09:33- I was under a lot of stress.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35- A lot of stress maybe...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..but not many bosses in the city - are stricter than his mother.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- There's something wrong - with this sickle.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- It's you who's at fault - not the sickle.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- This is how you do it.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- - Do I use force? - - No, like this!
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- Oh, I understand.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- I've learnt something again.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- It's hard to please your mother.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- But Choi Sunho is happy.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20- In the city, - they race against the clock.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- In the mountains, - we live according to Time itself.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- In the city, - I was running around in circles...
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- ..like a constantly ticking clock.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- Here, I manage my own time.
0:10:37 > 0:10:44- It's nice to live - by my own timetable.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- There's plenty of time in - the mountains, but not enough money.
0:10:50 > 0:10:56- So, Choi Sunho is keen - to use his city connections...
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- ..to benefit the community.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04- He's asking the local farmers - to join a joint marketing campaign.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- It's hard to find customers - in the city.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- Every farmer - is doing his level best...
0:11:17 > 0:11:24- ..but they have hardly any - experience of building a brand.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- It's obvious that working together - is a good idea.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- But will it be successful? - Time will tell.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- One local business - is already successful.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- The village restaurant - is run by Yun Sil...
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- ..Choi Sunho's sister.
0:11:52 > 0:11:58- It's a social centre as well - as a nice place to have lunch.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Yun Sil buys everything she cooks - locally.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- Another boost - for the area's farmers.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- Choi Sunho is often here - giving his sister a helping hand.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- But today, he can't stay.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- His mother insists - he goes back to the mountain...
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- ..for another lesson.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- A light bite - is enough of a lunch for her.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- And for me, apparently.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44- Tasty.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46- Not very. But it's alright.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- The task this afternoon - is planting flowers.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- Common evening-primroses - to be exact.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- The aim is to remove - the surrounding weeds...
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- ..before the primroses - appear in spring.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- Then, the family's land...
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- ..will become a patch - of natural therapy for others.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- One, two, three.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- OK, beautiful!
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- Jirisan mountain has a lovely shape.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Imagine the primroses - under the moon.
0:13:29 > 0:13:37- The mountain in moonlight, yellow - flowers under the yellow moon.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- To see that - would do people a lot of good.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- It's only a piece of land - on top of the mountain.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- But, for him, it's his dream.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- My heart is in Jirisan Mountain. - It's similar to my mother's arms.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- What better for a Korean boy - than a hug from his mother.
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0:14:10 > 0:14:10- Subtitles
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- Over the past half a century...
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- ..the South Korean economy - has grown and grown.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- Millions of people have moved - from their homes in the mountains...
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- ..for jobs in the city.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- The depopulation - has been sudden and astounding.
0:14:44 > 0:14:50- Life in mountain villages and old - traditions are now just a memory.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- If they want to see - the old way of life...
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- ..schoolchildren have to come - to somewhere like this...
0:15:02 > 0:15:03- ..a Korean St Fagans.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- The young people of today - aren't familiar with our traditions.
0:15:10 > 0:15:16- Here, they learn about - morals and traditions.
0:15:16 > 0:15:24- How to be courteous, the rules - of the Tea Ceremony, and so on.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- I'm proud that we introduce - these things to them.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- The children try the old crafts.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- But there's a lesson in - pungsu-jiri too...
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- ..the ancient rules - on how to situate a village.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- If a village has a river - in front of it, it brings good luck.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Behind it, according - to this open-air feng shui...
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- ..one thing is crucial.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05- A mountain.
0:16:09 > 0:16:17- As the saying goes, "Under every big - mountain, there's a big hero too."
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- The mountains inspire people.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30- A village with a mountain behind it - and a river in front is blessed.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- This village is very lucky...
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- ..a mountain behind, a river - in front and south-facing houses.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- But the village of Oeam - is more than a museum.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- The villagers grow vegetables, - collect fruit...
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- ..and keep house - according to old customs.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- One family here maintains a craft...
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- ..that's been passed down - from generation to generation.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- Lotus Leaf Liquor - is our family's tipple.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- We introduced the Liquor - to Emperor Gojong.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- The Emperor - became very fond of the taste...
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- ..and of the man - who brewed the drink...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- ..Champan, or deputy minister.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- So, a century and a half ago...
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- ..the family started a tradition - which continues today.
0:17:32 > 0:17:39- To brew Yeonyupju, you mix yeast, - rice and pine needles.
0:17:40 > 0:17:46- It's like making bread, the way - my grandmother would have done.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- By marrying into the family...
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- ..Lee Hyosuk - has taken on great responsibility.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- She is the Jongbu, - the wife of the eldest son.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- She brews the drink - under her mother-in-law's guidance.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- The Champan moved to this village.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- The Emperor gave him this house - as a gift.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- The family have lived here - ever since - 140 years!
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- In every generation, liquor-making - falls on the wife of the eldest son.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- I'm the sixth Jongbu.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- The special taste of the drink comes - from the pure water of the mountain.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- But it must be carefully tasted - every time...
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- ..to ensure - that all is as it should be.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- It's an honour bestowed upon - the father-in-law.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- This time, it passes the test.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- A brew made in rural Korea.
0:19:08 > 0:19:09- It's strong.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11- It's good!
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- I love the taste!
0:19:29 > 0:19:35- Korean mountains aren't high when - compared to others in the world.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- But they are big in people's hearts.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- It's not the mountain's height that - counts, but its shape and colour...
0:19:51 > 0:19:56- ..and more than anything, - the emotion felt when walking on it.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- For proof, - come to Mudeongsan mountain...
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- ..to meet one of the country's - most talented artists.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- When making a picture of a mountain, - I don't draw what I see.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- I draw the emotion the mountain - gives me - what's in my heart.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- I draw to express my feelings.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42- Heo Daljae is the grandson of Uijae, - the famous artist.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- He paints in the same tradition - and style as his grandfather.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- There are two painting traditions - in Korea.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- In the North, a realistic tradition.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- But here in the South, - the focus is on emotion.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- For me, emotion is the main thing.
0:21:04 > 0:21:12- In the North, a drawing of - a mountain looks like the mountain.
0:21:13 > 0:21:19- But here in the South, it's not the - colour or shape that's important...
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- ..but the feeling - the mountain gives you.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Uijae, Heo Daljae's grandfather...
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- ..was fond of combining in his - calligraphy, poetry and painting.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Calligraphy is a very important - art form for Korean people.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- For centuries - here in the mountains...
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- ..they've made a special type of - paper that's ideal for graphic work.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- The process starts with the bark - of one of the mountain trees...
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- ..the paper mulberry.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- It's strange how easy - it comes away from the branch.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Then, it goes into the bath.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- The paper has a special name - - hanji.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Ten layers of the wash - go into every hanji leaf.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- Here it is - paper!
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Hanji is extremely strong.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- You can do the strangest of things - with it.
0:22:43 > 0:22:49- Everything here, every piece - of clothing, is made from paper.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- But hanji - is usually used for graphics.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- Calligraphy has a special place - in Korea's history.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- In the middle of the capital...
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- ..competitions are held - in the name of Emperor Joseon.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Joseon was responsible - for creating the alphabet...
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- ..that Korean people - still use today.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- It's as important to them - as William Morgan's Bible is to us.
0:23:30 > 0:23:35- Uijae's calligraphy - won praise across Korea.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- But he didn't enjoy fame.
0:23:41 > 0:23:47- He retreated here to paint - and to campaign for the common man.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- After the War, Uijae came here...
0:23:53 > 0:24:01- ..not only to paint, but to lead the - Farmers' Movement and to grow tea.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- Mudeongsan is different - to other mountains.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12- It's circular in shape, not sharp.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- Therefore, it eases your mind.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23- It's easy to see how such mountains - could inspire artists.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- The influence of his home patch - was obvious in Uijae's work.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- Mudeongsan was a model - for many of his best works.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45- Many of them can be seen in a - gallery at the foot of the mountain.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- Here, grandfather and grandson - still talk to each other...
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- ..like they did - when Heo Daljae was a boy.
0:24:56 > 0:25:04- If something worried me, - I'd turn to him for advice.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- But after he died, - there was no-one to give me advice.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- So, when life is hard for me...
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- ..I come here to look at - my grandfather's paintings.
0:25:18 > 0:25:24- I reflect until the answer comes. - Then, the path is clear.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33- Korean mountain art.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- The wisdom of the mountains.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- Here, both of them are one.
0:25:41 > 0:25:41- .
0:25:44 > 0:25:44- Subtitles
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- As I live and work in the middle - of the capital, Seoul...
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- ..it's easy to forget...
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- ..that South Korea and its mountains - have a long history.
0:26:00 > 0:26:06- But here, a taste of the past - is available for tourists.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- A proper fancy dress costume.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- Echoing the age of the emperors.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22- This rings a bell!
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- To get a handle - on the old spirit of the country...
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- ..I must escape the modern city.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- The mountains calm the mind.
0:26:47 > 0:26:52- There are now more Christians in the - country than followers of Buddha.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- But you don't have - to go to a church or temple...
0:26:56 > 0:27:01- ..to take advantage of the blessings - of South Korea's mountains.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- I'm not a person of strong faith...
0:27:08 > 0:27:14- ..but, I have to say, - there is a spirituality...
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- ..in these hills.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23- That's certainly true - about this mountain...
0:27:23 > 0:27:25- ..in the far south - of the Korean Peninsula.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- Jogyesan mountain.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- One of the country's most beautiful - religious establishments...
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- ..nestles in its shadow.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- This is Seonamsa temple.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47- This place is extremely beautiful.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- The mountain itself is famous - for its beauty.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- It's not very high...
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- ..but its slopes are wonderful.
0:28:00 > 0:28:06- The shape of the buildings reflects - the shape of the mountain itself.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- The temple is similar to a mountain - in another sense too.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- It's open to everyone - who wants to come here...
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- ..and for those who wish to leave.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29- Mountains stay in one place. - The temple is the same.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- So, we say that the temple doesn't - grab anyone who wants to leave...
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- ..or turns away anyone - who wants to come here.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- That's the nature - of the mountain too.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48- The aim of Seonamsa's monks is - to live in harmony with each other.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- But, occasionally, - this is difficult.
0:28:56 > 0:29:02- This side's straight. From there, - it looks different as it's circular.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- It looks straight - from the other side too.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- From the far side, and on all sides - - it's fine!
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- The brothers disagree.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- Is the drum straight or not?
0:29:16 > 0:29:21- Look here - it isn't plumb.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- The sound of the drum - is meant to connect with the mind...
0:29:28 > 0:29:32- ..of every living creature - and awaken it to its true nature.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- Of course, - it helps if it's hanging correctly.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42- From here, it looks fine. - Yes, but only from there.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- One side is different to the other.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- From here, it's obvious. Up there, - you can't see the top of the drum.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- Come down to look from the bottom. - One side is higher.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- It's different.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- Other monks - have noticed the squabble.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- At last, it's time for a soundcheck.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- The drum is ready to awaken - the universe once more tonight.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- In Korea, sunsets are short.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- Night falls very quickly.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47- Without Seonamsa's call, will - the world awaken again tomorrow?
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- Who knows for sure.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- Maintaining such a ceremony - every night...
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- ..requires discipline - and perseverance.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07- When I was a new monk...
0:32:07 > 0:32:14- ..I missed my home and my friends.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- My heart was breaking - with the pressures of the world.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- It was very tough at the start.
0:32:26 > 0:32:36- But now, I've realized that this - mountain teaches me to be patient.
0:32:36 > 0:32:42- To accept things, - to wait without anger.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48- To have peace of mind. - It's what I've learnt here.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- Ordinary people - can visit Seonamsa...
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- ..to learn and to revive the spirit - here in the mountains.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10- Ask the climber - why he goes to the mountains.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- The answer would be, - "Because they exist."
0:33:19 > 0:33:26- We become one with nature here. "I'm - the mountain, the mountain is me."
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- Many of us now understand that.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- For Korean people, - mountains are sacred land.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- According to legend, - Baekdu, the highest summit...
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- ..was the birthplace of Dangun, - founder of Korea's first kingdom.
0:33:47 > 0:33:53- The famous chain which begins - with Mount Baekdu...
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- ..runs all the way to Jirisan.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02- The mountains are extremely - important to us as a nation...
0:34:02 > 0:34:07- ..with the streams - that create the big rivers.
0:34:07 > 0:34:16- The mountains is where, according - to legend, Korean history started.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- We are not aware of it...
0:34:20 > 0:34:25- ..but they control the way - Korean people think.
0:34:26 > 0:34:34- Yes... the mountains - shape our feelings.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41- Mythology helps every nation - to remember their roots.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- Korean people turn to the mountains - for their myths.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47- .
0:34:51 > 0:34:51- Subtitles
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- Bali, bali! Hurry, hurry!
0:34:59 > 0:35:04- It's something I hear a lot - while working in South Korea.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- Everyone here - is under pressure at work.
0:35:09 > 0:35:14- Nevertheless, they are very keen - to get to the office first thing.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19- They work extremely long hours...
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- ..20% more than workers - in the United States.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- Every weekend, - the centre of Seoul is busy...
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- ..but with a different type - of traveller.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- Saturday morning, seven o'clock.
0:35:36 > 0:35:41- The buses are ready to take those - keen to leave the city...
0:35:41 > 0:35:42- ..to go hiking.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47- I'm a member of Haeol Hiking Club.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- There are 20,000 members in all.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59- I walk for an hour each morning - on the mountain behind the house.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05- I hike to benefit my health.
0:36:05 > 0:36:11- I'm 65 years old. - Walking does my body a lot of good.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- That's why I started.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18- But something's bothering everyone - this morning.
0:36:20 > 0:36:21- What to wear.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- Clothes? - I buy one garment at a time.
0:36:27 > 0:36:35- You can get fashionable brands - but I buy what I fancy.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- I've got to go - I'm busy!
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- So, bali, bali, it is!
0:36:51 > 0:36:53- Off we go to the mountain.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- Every nation - is proud of its countryside.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- But there's something unique...
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- ..about the way Koreans - rush from mountain to mountain.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- It was possible - to ask them to stop long enough...
0:37:26 > 0:37:30- ..to take a photograph - and to teach them a Welsh word.
0:37:30 > 0:37:31- Caws! (cheese)
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- For the citizens of Seoul...
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- ..Mount Bukhan - is the nearest place to go hiking.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- On weekends, they throng here...
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- ..after they've decided - what to wear, of course.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- It's Saturday, - but for many who come here...
0:37:59 > 0:38:01- ..work cannot be avoided.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05- The big companies...
0:38:05 > 0:38:10- ..arrange for everyone in the office - to go on a trip together.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- The aim, of course, - is to build team spirit...
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- ..and celebrate the fun - of working together.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28- Daishin company, over here! - In your teams!
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- You have to listen to the boss.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- Teams, 1, 2, 3, 4... - in rows like this.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- After the pressures - of the working week...
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- ..they've come here in their - thousands, determined to relax.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- The workers have hardly any choice - but to follow the bosses.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58- But, before starting the climb, - we're told we'd better do a warm-up.
0:39:08 > 0:39:14- Koreans are very competitive, - even on a day trip to the mountain.
0:39:19 > 0:39:25- They stretch every muscle in order - to be ready to reach the top first.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33- But, in the race for the summit, - I have a secret weapon.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- This is my father's stick.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41- It's cut from a hedge - in Pembrokeshire.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- It will help me - to go to the top of the mountain.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54- The rushing, the bali, bali culture, - has turned into a national illness.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- The government - has spent 10 million...
0:39:59 > 0:40:02- ..on a campaign - called Slow Hiking...
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- ..to encourage people - to take things calmly.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- And it's time I admitted - that I have an illness too.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- I get vertigo - when I climb a mountain.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- Once the dizziness starts, - it's impossible to continue...
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- ..even on a safe path - like this one.
0:40:27 > 0:40:32- I've twice tried to reach - the summit of Bukhansan...
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- ..and failed twice.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- If at first you don't succeed, - try, try and try again.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45- Oops!
0:40:46 > 0:40:48- There's no turning back now.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- C'mon, mate!
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- At last, the end of the journey - is within sight.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- It's not Everest perhaps...
0:41:09 > 0:41:14- ..but the Korean people - are delighted when they reach here.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- It's an escape from the pressures - of city life for them.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- For me, it's a big victory.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- My father would be very proud!
0:41:41 > 0:41:47- The Korean Civil War of the 1950s - was a war without victory.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- For three years...
0:41:54 > 0:41:59- ..there was fighting between - the South and the communist North.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- One couldn't defeat the other.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- Here's the view from the summit of - Aegibong in the demilitarized zone.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- It's no-man's land - that stands between South and North.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- But it's possible to come here as a - tourist and to gaze at the North...
0:42:20 > 0:42:25- ..where the leader, Kim Jong-un, - dominates everything.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- It's 60 years since the war...
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- ..but South and North - aren't an inch closer.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40- Only a river separates them...
0:42:41 > 0:42:46- ..yet they're two worlds apart.
0:42:47 > 0:42:48- It's a tragedy.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57- In an amphitheatre - on top of the mountain...
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- ..visitors can learn more - about the tragedy.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05- They can see some of the things - that have happened since the war...
0:43:05 > 0:43:11- ..as the North's missiles threatens - to destroy the fragile ceasefire.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18- But those who come here - don't need a history lesson.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27- Lee Hanseol - is one of the displaced persons...
0:43:28 > 0:43:32- ..North Korean natives - who've fled to the South.
0:43:35 > 0:43:40- The mountain on the other side - stands above his birthplace.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50- For people of our village, - we'd go to the mountain to have fun.
0:43:50 > 0:43:57- On the mountain, - we'd catch rabbits, and deer too.
0:43:58 > 0:44:05- Occasionally, a fox would come down - and eat the hens.
0:44:05 > 0:44:10- I couldn't catch the fox - - but the deer - yes!
0:44:12 > 0:44:15- Lee Hanseol's happiness - soon turned sour.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22- With thousands of others, - he had to flee...
0:44:22 > 0:44:26- ..leaving his mountain and family - behind him.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29- Forever.
0:44:31 > 0:44:37- I went out the house to the crossing - point, but there were no boats.
0:44:37 > 0:44:42- I was shivering all night - because of the cold.
0:44:42 > 0:44:47- In the morning, the boat arrived - from the other side.
0:44:47 > 0:44:53- My mother had given me three bags - of rice and said, "Go quickly!"
0:44:54 > 0:45:00- So many people were trying to flee, - so I boarded the boat immediately.
0:45:00 > 0:45:07- There weren't enough boats. Luckily - I got on one and crossed the river.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09- A troubling experience.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14- Lee Hanseol is now 84 years old...
0:45:14 > 0:45:17- ..but he still feels longing.
0:45:19 > 0:45:25- I can't put into words how much - I miss my home and my family.
0:45:25 > 0:45:30- No-one can imagine - the longing I feel.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- Only I know.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36- I long to return.
0:45:36 > 0:45:41- I was born and raised there. - So, it's my dream.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48- From the start, the mountains - have been a support for Koreans.
0:45:50 > 0:45:55- From the mountains, they say, - the gods awakened...
0:45:57 > 0:46:01- ..and descended to create - the country's first kingdom.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04- The creative people of Korea...
0:46:05 > 0:46:09- ..still look to the mountains - for inspiration.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- The mountains support and embrace - like a mother's arms.
0:46:20 > 0:46:26- They offer balm and a shelter - from the stresses of modern life.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31- Conquering my fear of heights...
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- ..and getting to know - the mountain people...
0:46:34 > 0:46:39- ..has opened my eyes to the Korea - that's behind the headlines...
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- ..about the South's economy - or the North's mischief.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49- Some day, Kim Jong-un and his like - will have gone.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- But the mountains - will still be here.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:47:30 > 0:47:30- .