Blog Post #3 - The Possible Effects of Geotourism in Namhansanseong

             Have you ever thought about geotourism? Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place. As an alternative to traditional mass tourism, it helps local people earn a living, so it can improve the regional economy. Also, it helps preserve and sustain a place. Namhansanseong that is the famous cultural asset in Korea can get positive effects from geotourism. The possible effects of geotourism in Namhansanseong include boosting the economy in this area and saving the environment.

           One possible effect of geotourism in Namhansanseong is boosting the economy in this area. For example, there are great restaurants that serve traditional local foods around Namhansanseong, but many travelers don’t know it and look for a franchise after enjoyed the landscape of towering mountain. It makes the local economy weak. However, what happens if geotourism is introduced to this area? Travelers will experience local foods and buy local products from local merchants. As a result, it contributes to improve the regional economy.

           Another possible effect of geotourism in Namhansanseong is saving the environment. After Namhansanseong became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, a lot of people visited there and they polluted the environment. For example, according to research in 2014, the park and buildings in Namhansanseong was destroyed than before because there is a limit to saving the environment from too many travelers. However, if geotourism is introduced to this area, these problems will be solved. People who visit this area will learn and understand Namhansanseong’s history and culture. So, they will try to help maintain the environment. Also, the money that they spend on local markets will be used to maintain the geographical diversity and distinctiveness of Namhansanseong.

           In conclusion, Namhansanseong can benefit from geotourism in many ways. Especially, it helps improve the regional economy and preserve the environment. Thus, geotourism is a best choice to enhance the geographical character of Namhansanseong.

Blog Post #2 - Gender in the Wild

          Have you ever thought about how gender impact family relationships in the wild? Actually, many people don‘t realize that animals also behave differently according to their gender although people know that they have different roles in family relationships based on gender. However, there are three different kinds of studies reveal how gender influences animals in the wild.

           One of the studies shows gender effect in elephant societies. According to the study, elephants form matriarchal families. In matriarchal society, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and female friends usually raise elephant babies, so there are strong bonds between females. For this reason, female live in large groups as long as 70 years. Conversely, young male elephants stay close to their female family members only until they are 14. Another study is about geladas. According to the study, we can see that female geladas have the real power in family groups even though they are smaller and less distinctive-looking than male geladas. For example, females decide where and how long to graze for food, when to move, and where to sleep. They also choose which male will be their mate and when it is time to replace that mate with another mate. On the other hand, the only things males can do are just waiting to be chosen and staying in the family. The other of the studies discover that gender influences the ways in which young chimpanzees play. In the study, young female monkeys in captivity like dolls better than others, while male monkeys prefer toys such as trucks. It shows that male and female animals in the wild also play in contrasting ways.

          These studies shows that animals are influenced by their gender. Interestingly, these gender effects in animals are differ from gender effects in people. Of course, animals are similar to people because both are influenced by their gender. However, despite their similarity, they are different. In my opinion, as we can see in the studies about elephant and geladas, females have more power than males in a lot of animal groups. In contrast, historically, males are more powerful than females in many human cultures. It is very impressive for me because I think males still have more power in Korean society.

 

Blog Post #1 - Self Introduction

Hello, everyone!

My name is Myunghee Yoon. I am majoring in English language and literature. This is my third year at Sungshin Women's University.

'Be the person that is always necessary everywhere.' That is my motto of my life. I want to be the person like light that is necessary for the world. Although I sometimes make mistakes, I will try to do my best as a member of the class.

It's my first time I have my own blog and introduce myself through the Internet, so I am a little nervous. But at the same time, I am really happy because I think it's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in the class.

I am really happy to meet all of you.

Thank you!