ABSTRACT
In August 2010, Chuncheon, South Korea hosted the World Leisure Congress and Games, organised by the World Leisure Organization. From August 28 to September 2, over 2,000 scholars and professionals in the fields of leisure, recreation, sport, and tourism from more than 70 countries came together at Kangwon National University for the 11th World Leisure Congress. Their objective was to explore ways to improve the quality of life of individuals through leisure. An exceptional programme was designed around the theme ‘Leisure and Identities.’ The participants were provided with various opportunities to discuss critical themes and issues, to visit Chuncheon City, and to interact with friends and colleagues from around the world. They discussed different programmes and policies to overcome regional and inter-cultural conflicts and to advance peace and solidarity in the globalised world. The World Leisure Congress was brought to South Korea with the support of the City of Chuncheon and the Korean Leisure Society. Furthermore, an International Journal of History of Sport (IJHS) conference workshop, which has taken place in many countries including the USA, UK, Ireland, China, Australia, France, Germany and Italy; all initiated by Professor J. A. Mangan was held along with the 2010 Chuncheon World Leisure Congress in association with the Korean Society for the History of Physical Education, Sport, and Dance (KSHPESD). Since the Founding Editor of IJHS, Professor J. A. Mangan, suggested hosting a series conference in South Korea with the special theme of East Asian Olympics, I suggested that KSHPESD host a joint conference for the 2010 World Leisure Congress in Chuncheon. The KSHPESD was founded in 1997 to promote the study of history of sport in South Korea mainly among Korean scholars and graduate students. I have been involved in this society for over seven years, playing important roles as Executive Director, Director for International Affairs, Director for Public Relations, and an Editorial Board Member. Professor J. A. Mangan was my supervisor for my doctoral degree between 1997 and 2004, and he gave me an important opportunity to get involved in his research centre at the University of Strathclyde and in his outstanding journal, IJHS. This was a window of opportunity for my academic challenge to the globe, including this special publication with noted global scholars, especially Professor Sandra Collins
co-editor of the associated publication from California State University-Chico and others who contributed articles to the issue. I am sure that the research results in this special issue are not the conclusion, but rather, the beginning of a continuing journey to provide a better understanding of the international study of sport in society – yesterday and today.
