Quick Summary
Journalist Stephen Evans takes UK viewers on a brisk documentary episode of the series, venturing into the mountains that ring Seoul to uncover why the capital’s residents are so captivated by these peaks. This British TV programme offers a quick overview at a glance, delivering entertainment and programme highlights for the UK television guide and S4C HD programming.
About This Program
Corea: Stephen Evans is a one‑hour documentary episode that follows award‑winning journalist Stephen Evans as he ventures into the rugged hills that ring Seoul. Filmed on location in South Korea, the programme blends natural history with cultural insight, offering UK television audiences a fresh perspective on a city often known only for its neon skyline. As part of a larger series exploring the hidden corners of East Asia, this episode stands out as a vivid portrait of how the mountains shape the daily lives and collective imagination of Seoul’s residents. Viewers can anticipate a seamless mix of sweeping aerial footage, on‑the‑ground reportage and candid interviews with hikers, monks and local historians. Stephen Evans narrates with his characteristic clarity, guiding the audience through ancient pilgrimage routes, modern trailheads and bustling mountain‑side markets. The episode also weaves in historical anecdotes about the Baekdu-daegan ridge and contemporary concerns such as air‑quality and urban sprawl, delivering a balanced documentary that feels both educational and entertaining. The programme’s highlights include a sunrise trek up Bukhansan, where the city’s silhouette glows beneath a sea of clouds, and an intimate conversation with a Seoul‑based mountaineering club that explains why the hills are a sanctuary for stressed office workers. Viewers will also enjoy a segment on the traditional tea houses perched on the slopes of Gwanaksan, offering a glimpse of Korean hospitality that contrasts sharply with the fast‑paced drama of city life. High‑definition cinematography captures the changing seasons, while the soundtrack incorporates subtle Korean instruments, enhancing the immersive experience. British TV viewers have long been drawn to travel documentaries that combine natural beauty with cultural depth, and Corea: Stephen Evans delivers precisely that. The episode satisfies a growing curiosity about South Korean culture beyond K‑pop, offering full details that resonate with UK viewers who appreciate authentic storytelling. Its focus on outdoor recreation aligns with the UK’s own love of hill‑walking and countryside exploration, making the series a compelling addition to any entertainment schedule that values both adventure and insight. The episode forms part of S4C HD programming’s commitment to high‑quality international documentary content. Scheduled alongside other travel‑focused series, it reinforces the channel’s reputation for delivering a comprehensive guide to global cultures for a discerning British audience. By positioning Corea: Stephen Evans within the broader series, S4C HD ensures that UK television audiences receive an in‑depth review of Korean mountain culture, complementing the channel’s diverse slate of drama, documentary and entertainment offerings.
Mynyddoedd y Byd broadcasts on S4C at 2:55pm, Sunday, 21 September 2025. (Subtitles, repeat)