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Abstract
This study investigated how different levels of serious leisure qualities are associated with life satisfaction and perceived health. Cluster analysis was used to identify patterns of serious leisure qualities (e.g., perseverance, significant effort, career development, identification, and unique ethos) in a sample of Taekwondo participants (N = 168). The Serious Sages expressed many serious leisure qualities and reported having higher levels of life satisfaction and perceived health when compared to the Novices and Journeymen. The study identified that individuals pursing Taekwondo as a serious recreation activity demonstrated high life satisfaction and perceived health. This study suggests that serious leisure offers rich opportunities for developing personal satisfaction and promoting health. Therefore, serious leisure involvement is related to life satisfaction and health.
KEYWORDS: Taekwondo, serious leisure, life satisfaction, health perception
Introduction
Taekwondo originated in Korea 2,000 years ago as a traditional martial art and is practiced by many people across the globe. Based on a national survey administered in 2005 by the Korean government, there are 70 million Taekwondo practitioners in 190 countries throughout the world (Kim, 2006). Taekwondo has played a major role in disseminating some of the basic philosophical beliefs and cultural principles of Korea. Korea's traditional culture was founded on the basis of the philosophy of Han, representing heaven, earth, and human beings, as well as the philosophy of yin-yang and the five elements of the universe (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth) (Lee, 2001). Lee emphasized that participation in Taekwondo often means that a person is determined not only to attain the highest skill level of Taekwondo techniques, but the person is ultimately trying to achieve simsin-ilyeo (unity between mind and body), cheonin-hapil (oneness with heaven and earth), and then to become a hongik-ingan (a humanitarian).
Some studies have analyzed the physical and social benefits of Taekwondo participation. Kim (2009) examined the physical benefits of Taekwondo participation for 80 Korean youth and reported that Taekwondo activity contributed to their physical self-concept, physical strength, perseverance, and flexibility. In addition, Lim (2009) explored the relationships between Taekwondo participation and youths' social skills and found that the youth participating in Taekwondo reported significantly higher levels of perseverance and self-expression than non participants. This study also suggested that Taekwondo participation provided participants with positive interactions...