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| yna@yna.co.kr 2025-04-11 16:21:55
*Editor’s note: K-VIBE invites experts from various K-culture sectors to share their extraordinary discovery about the Korean culture.
Kim Wolf's 'K-Geography' Story: Running is My Strength
By Kim Wolf (Photographer)
Humans are the most capable animals when it comes to long-distance running.
The ability to run 42 kilometers without stopping is unique to humans among all animals, including primates. The reason humans can run for hours without stopping is because we run upright.
By standing on two legs, straightening our backs, and looking far ahead, we become aware of our breathing. We regulate our body temperature through sweat, and by alternating the use of different muscles, we can maintain our speed.
Humans have chosen to go further rather than faster. Throughout human history, we have followed animal herds, chasing down exhausted animals by walking and running on two feet. The blood of that pursuit runs through every human body.
Children also run whenever they get the chance. Most of us likely have fond memories of running excitedly when we were young. But when we became an agricultural society and began using our bodies for labor, there was no longer a reason to run intentionally.
When tennis was first introduced to Korea, it’s said that many of the noble class, watching the game, remarked, "Such a strenuous activity should only be asked of slaves."
My teachers in school used to say, "If you're not smart, your hands and feet will suffer," with a stern expression. In an education system focused solely on exams, even physical education classes were taken away.
The sports during my school years were never sweet. I promised myself that I would become a great adult and not live a life of suffering with my hands and feet, so I put everything into studying. However, I was only given the label of "somewhat distracted," and my grades weren’t great.
I would sit at my desk for twelve hours a day, then go to karaoke and belt out the popular song "We Must Run, We Can’t Be Fools~ ♬ Let’s Run" by Crying Nut. Ironically, I became an adult who didn’t run, even when I was excited.
In 2017, when my heart was broken, running came to me like a gift. It was during a running event on an island in a warm country, where I had gone to take photos for a foreign tourism agency.
"Everyone is really enjoying life. I think I’ll come here to run someday."
I said this, intoxicated by the sparkling sea and the gentle breeze.
"Sir, you have the build that seems perfect for running. If you're interested, why don't you apply?"
Thanks to a sponsored shoe brand's representative, I had the chance to meet the founder of the "Running Crew" culture.
◇ The Birth of the Runner Through the Web
"Each university or city had its own classic running club called 'Track and Field' where people gathered to run on the athletic track, as well as a marathon culture. It was a culture primarily for those in power, even among white people. As a Black DJ, I was not accepted. So, I went online to find people to run with. I put up a catchphrase: 'Everyone is welcome, come run together, and let's become friends through running.' Sometimes, the only participants were me and my friends. Slowly, people started joining. This movement, which started in London and New York in 2004, spread worldwide." (Charlie Dark, founder of Run Dem, a London-based running crew)
In this modern age, the 'web' connects information globally, and through social media services, people connect directly or indirectly. The 'crew' culture also began as offline gatherings, or 'flash' meetings, based on online networks.
In neighborhoods where safety is a concern and running unfamiliar streets can be dangerous, cities have always been harsh places. But things change when you make a friend in a different neighborhood.
That's how the BTG (Bridge the Gap) culture was born. It became a way of actively living life—inviting friends, becoming representatives of their own neighborhoods, and experiencing running through each other's neighborhoods. Soon, it became a way for travelers to explore a city.
Crews cheer together while running: "Come visit our neighborhood!"
Every neighborhood in the world has its own characteristics.
Everyone running together has a deep affection and pride for their neighborhood. When running, you can't carry heavy burdens. Everything must be fair, and to run together, you have to consider others.
The truth is, runners often don’t even know the exact purpose of running. It’s not for the city or any particular value, but rather, the participation and contributions of many people, including designers and photographers, happened voluntarily.
The term "crew" originally referred to sailors. Without unity, the ship cannot move forward.
In these runs, the focus is not on running faster or further, but on the simple fact of running together.
Sports events were never allowed for everyone in the past. The playing fields were spaces permitted only for the few—those of high status who combined physical prowess with wisdom and virtue, setting rules and competing for honor within those rules.
Running, however, is something that anyone can do, despite not being allowed in other sports.
It became something that everyone can enjoy and recommend to others. Just as civilizations developed, transforming from tribal societies into a global community, the world has become a place where running is easier than ever.
After running, I always feel good.
"So what?" Even if the world ends tomorrow and I'm not here, today, I will run.
If there's anywhere I can step foot on Earth, I can run anywhere. I’ve heard there are over 3,000 origins for the word 'excuse.'
Excuses don’t work.
Now, whether it rains or snows, I run.
I don’t know when or why I became so passionate, but running has become the most important thing to me. If I can’t reach somewhere, so what?
I know the joy of moving my body.
One step forward. Today’s run was good.
And so, I keep running and running. I became a runner, and I became part of a crew.
*The author is:
▲ A “sub-3” marathoner who has completed numerous marathons including the Boston Marathon, as well as a 100km trail runner.
▲ Creator of photography and video content specializing in outdoor activities such as surfing, yachting, and freediving.
▲ Freelance contributor on outdoor and running topics for magazines including National Geographic, Drive Kia, Hankyoreh21, Weekly Chosun, and House Full of Happiness.
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