Many faces of Korea spotlighted in travel film series

South Korea is a land of ancient tradition and contemporary life, a fascinating world with 5,000 years of history. Travel /adventure filmmaker Buddy Hatton will offer an in-depth look at this Asian country when the World Travel Series presents “Korea— Then and Now” on Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in King Concert Hall.

This is the final event in the 2013-14 World Travel Series sponsored by Fredonia Place as part of the Lake Shore Savings Season.

Often referred to as the “Land of the Morning Calm,” Korea is located at a major crossroad of Northeast Asia. Consequently, Mr. Hatton noted the country has become “a source of endless possibilities.”

The filmmaker’s journey begins in Seoul, where he said this sensation is most keenly felt. It’s one the largest city in the world and it possesses what Mr. Hatton called an infectious energy.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the Korean ‘joie de vive,’ as well as the city’s nonstop attractions,” he said.

As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is the country’s economic and cultural center.

The film includes stops at the royal palaces and gardens – where royal guards in colorful robes carry out traditional ceremonies – and at the War Memorial that honors the “Forgotten War” in which allies supported South Korea against the forces of North Korea, China and Russia.

Other cities featured in the film include the traditional port town of Busan; Guemsan, the ginseng capital of the world; and Daejeon, which is famous for its hot springs.

In the south of the country, Busan is booming and rewards those travelers willing to explore another rapidly ever-growing city. Busan also has a rich history and the film looks at its importance to the Korean War. On a similar note, Mr. Hatton makes a stop in Incheon, which was where General Douglas McArthur made his famous landing.

Following its incredible development over the last 50 years, Mr. Hatton described 21st–century Korea as a “modern, vibrant nation that still maintains its traditional culture.”

“It’s a center of economic activity, culture, sports and art,” he said.

Mr. Hatton has been involved in the motion picture industry both as an actor and one of the leading Travel Film producers. Mr. Hatton has won several awards, including two Canadian Emmys for hosting television shows.

Thousands of arm-chair travelers have been entertained by his unique travel/adventure film presentations in which he is able to transport his audiences to thrilling and exotic locations around the globe.

He has explored most of Asia and filmed countries where visitor’s permits are almost impossible to obtain, as seen in his films on Iran and Burma.

Mr. Hatton’s work has been aired on The Travel Channel, The Discovery Channel and PBS. He also works as a tour escort for AsiaVoyages.com in Berkeley, Calif. When not traveling, Mr. Hatton makes his home in the Napa Valley.

Tickets are available at the door for this general admission event. One child 12 and under is admitted free with each adult ticket purchased. Tickets may also be purchased through the SUNY Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center, by phone at 716-673-3501 or online at www.fredonia.edu/tickets.