South Korea on two wheels

His education is in Earth sciences, but his passion is behind the lens of a video camera.

In an effort to merge the two, aspiring filmmaker and Sudbury native Ryan Mariotti is preparing for a four-week adventure across South Korea. Mariotti is partnering with university friend Adrian Tegler, who spent some time teaching in the southeast Asian country, for the adventure.

“I’m passionate about preserving the great biodiversity we have left,” Mariotti said.

Doing it in a way that allows him to use “the creative side” of his brain just makes sense.

The filmmaker will rely on Tegler’s knowledge of the country as a base for their trip.

“Adrian’s personal experience and knowledge of Korean culture is a fantastic foundation,” he said. “He spent two years teaching English in Korea and has developed his own personal guide book of amazing places and contacts.”

During their trek, the duo will upload weekly web episodes (or web-isodes) and blog articles about their travels, so family, friends and followers can stay up-to-date on the journey.

They are hoping to document “a day in the life” of various Korean people — from monks to North Americans working there to everyday folks on the street.

“We’ve really packed our four-week schedule,” Mariotti said. “If we can see 80 per cent of the things on the list, it’d be phenomenal.”

Mariotti and Tegler will be regularly updating Facebook and Twitter with tales from the road, along with their videos and blogs.

“We believe it has real potential to reach out to westerners who know very little about this beautiful country and its people,” Mariotti said.

He said he is looking forward to experiencing the “unique beauty, ancient culture, feisty food and untamed adventure” for himself.

The two are travelling by motorcycle — a common interest between them. According to Mariotti, it is considered “very dangerous” to be on a bike in South Korea. Since they aren’t allowed on major roadways, they will be travelling “off the beaten path.”

They plan to “circumnavigate the peninsula by motorcycle,” venturing from the “futuristic metropolis of Seoul to the volcanic craters of Jeju,” and everywhere in between.

Once they return to Canadian soil, they will re-live their trip through the footage they collected, remembering how much fun they had along the way.

Then, Mariotti said he’d like to piece together a full-length documentary for film festival consideration.

To follow Tegler and Mariotti on their adventures, visit twowheeltrekker.com.