Sustainability

Korean cuisine, long celebrated for its balance, accessibility, and cultural richness, is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional staples like kimchi, gimbap, and gukbap have been more than just meals; they’ve served as cultural anchors, connecting families and communities across generations. Known for their resilience and simplicity, these dishes encapsulated the adaptability of Korean life. However, forces like inflation, strained supply chains, and climate change are reshaping these

In recent years, Seoul has emerged as a global leader in architectural innovation, blending tradition with modernity to create spaces that capture both Korean identity and contemporary aesthetics. As Bloomberg recently showcased, Seoul's architects are reshaping the urban landscape with projects that reflect Korea’s cultural pride, ultimately redefining what modern architecture can mean for a nation with deep historical roots. Meanwhile, just hours away by train, Busan faces a different urban re

The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings - Masanobu Fukuoka In grocery stores around the world, the produce section gleams with rows of shiny apples, plump tomatoes, and vibrant leafy greens. Nearby, shelves are stacked high with packaged snacks and ready-to-eat meals, offering quick solutions for busy lives. Yet, behind this abundance lies a quieter, less visible trend: the very foods we rely on for nourishment have lost some

Busan has long been a center of industrial and maritime growth. However, this rapid development has disrupted the city’s natural waterways, particularly in the heavily industrialized western regions like Sasang-gu and Saha-gu. Streams such as Samrakcheon, Hakjangcheon, and Goejeongcheon, which once flowed freely into the Nakdonggang River, now face severe pollution, poor water quality, and physical disconnection. In response, Busan’s government is focusing on restoring these waterways as part o

As regional cities face declining populations, disappearing historic sites, and the threat of homogenized urban development, local governments and experts are turning to localism — a strategy focused on preserving and promoting a region's unique identity — as a potential solution. However, while localism has been heralded as a way to revitalize communities, many challenges lie beneath its surface. From Japan to Italy, localism is being touted as a way to counterbalance the rapid urbanization of

The humble cabbage, a staple ingredient in Korea's beloved kimchi, is at the center of an alarming crisis. Recent foreign media reports have sounded the alarm, suggesting that Korean cabbages are nearing "extinction," potentially making kimchi a rare commodity. As cabbage prices soar due to climate change-induced production declines, concerns are mounting over the Korean government's lack of long-term strategies to address the issue. This article delves into the multifaceted challenges facing Ko

South Korea’s food systems face increasing strain as climate change exacerbates agricultural challenges and shifting dietary patterns redefine the nation's consumption habits. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and more intense rainy seasons, have significantly driven up prices for essential crops like apples and cabbages, highlighting the vulnerabilities within the country’s food supply system. Farmers, in particular, are grappling with these unpredictable conditions,

In 2024, South Korea, one of Asia's most advanced economies, is grappling with an unexpected crisis: food insecurity. With climate change reshaping traditional agriculture and global supply chains fraying due to geopolitical tensions, South Koreans are paying the price — quite literally — at the grocery store. South Korea's agricultural landscape is facing an unprecedented challenge as climate change and international instability converge to threaten the nation's food security. The country, whi

Imagine a future where kimchi, South Korea’s beloved staple, becomes a rare delicacy due to the scarcity of its essential ingredient—napa cabbage. As the global climate crisis deepens, this scenario is no longer a far-off possibility but a pressing concern for Korea’s agricultural industry. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events are disrupting the nation’s food production, pushing key crops to the brink of collapse and causing food prices to soar. Over the la

Imagine waking up in the heart of a rapidly growing city, only to find that the ground beneath you is shifting, sinking, or even collapsing. This unsettling scenario is not a dystopian fiction but a real and pressing concern in Western Busan, where geotechnical challenges threaten the safety and sustainability of its ambitious urban development plans. Western Busan, a region of strategic importance and rapid development, is currently grappling with significant geotechnical challenges that are r

Seoul, South Korea - South Korea's recent announcement of its 15-year power supply plan has sparked significant controversy. The plan, which includes a renewable energy target of 21.6% by 2030, stands in stark contrast to the aggressive renewable energy goals set by other OECD countries. As the world embraces the RE100 initiative, aimed at transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050, South Korea's policy appears to be out of step with global trends. The South Korean government has committed

The recent announcement by Act-Geo about potential oil and gas reserves in the East Sea has captured significant public and governmental attention. The South Korean government swiftly approved an expensive exploration project based on Act-Geo's optimistic analysis. However, this development has not been without controversy, raising questions about the project's viability, the credibility of Act-Geo, and the wisdom of such a large financial commitment in the face of global energy shifts. In a st