The development of 'leiports' (Leisure and sports) studies and programs in tertiary educatin in South Korea

Abstract

“Leiports” is a South Korean concept, which encapsulates elements of the Western-based terms leisure, sports, travel, and tourism. The concept is a result of mediations by social institutions, including government, societal groupings, industry, and education in South Korea. Using documentary and archival research methods of print media, academic materials, and online education materials, understandings of leiports were generated from a South Korean perspective. Although there is a prevailing presence of “leiports management” programs in the South Korean tertiary education sector, there is very little awareness of the concept of “leiports” outside that society. This article serves to highlight the concept, its historical development, as well as several related suggestions for tertiary education providers at the international level.

Keywords: leiports; South Korean tertiary education; archival and documentary research