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koreans spend less on leisure activites amid rising costs
more and more koreans are cutting back on leisure spending amid the prolonged economic
slowdown. in a bid to help out local governments are
offering popular activities at more affordable prices.
lee jiyoon shows us more. camping out in the great outdoors is often considered a luxury
in korea. but here in this beautiful valley in north
gyeongsang province it's a memorable family getaway that won't break the bank.
sponsored by the local government these caravan camping grounds have become highly popular
among local residents.
i wouldn't be able to do this if i had to buy expensive camping equipment. but everything
is well stocked here and the price is cheap . it's great just being outside in nature
.
this equestrian center is operated by a local municipality and features world-class indoor
and outdoor courses. riding lessons by professional coaches are
half the price here compared to the price at private stables.
it's a publicly funded program that's open to everyone from students to seniors alike
and attracted some 60-thousand riders this past year.
i had thought learning horseback riding would be out of my reach but not anymore. now it
seems like anyone in the general public can now enjoy this sport.
subsidized community programs have been gain ing momentum lately due to a rising demand
for affordable leisure activities. according to the ministry of culture sports
and tourism koreans spent an average of 125 -thousand won per month on sports leisure
activities and hobbies last year. that represents a drop of over 25 percent
in spending per month compared to 2010. however it doesn't mean that interest is declin
ing.
i come here to this neighborhood community center and take part in leisure activities
. many other mothers gather here and it's fun every day. i can't wait to come back.
nearly 42 percent of respondents to a recent government survey said they were dissatis
fied with their leisure life with about half citing a heavy economic burden as the root
cause. experts say the central government should
increase public spending to expand recreation al facilities in a bid to improve area resident
s' quality of life. but it's a tough sell as public funds remain
in short supply leaving little room for fun .
paul yi arirang news