Sustainability

Trendy vegan cafés are thriving in Korean cities, but they may be eclipsing more practical, affordable, and ecologically grounded food traditions. What’s lost when clean eating becomes a brand — and who gets left behind?

The trees that helped rebuild postwar Korea are now in decline. Can the country reimagine its forests for a hotter, more volatile climate?

As the 15-minute city model spreads, Busan tests its limits—facing elevation, equity, and the future of urban design.

The shelves of discount stores like Daiso brim with affordable plastic products that cater to every household need. From storage containers to water bottles, these low-cost items have become a staple of modern life, offering convenience at an unbeatable price. However, lurking behind this affordability is a hidden cost—one that affects both human health and the environment. As the global appetite for cheap plastics grows, so does the need to confront their unintended consequences. Daiso, a lead

South Korea’s transformation from widespread deforestation to becoming a global leader in forest restoration is a story of resilience and ingenuity, often cited as an environmental success model worldwide. However, as the nation celebrates its remarkable recovery, a quieter crisis brews within its lush green landscapes. The aging of South Korea’s forests, now over 40 years old on average, poses a new kind of challenge that threatens the ecological, economic, and environmental foundations of this

As South Korea faces the ripple effects of a global food crisis and mounting agricultural instability, Acting President Han Duck-soo’s veto of the Grain Management Act has thrust the nation into a pivotal debate. While the political spotlight is on Han’s rare intervention, the core issue is much larger: the future of South Korea’s food sovereignty. At a time when climate change, global supply disruptions, and rural decline threaten agricultural sustainability, the Grain Management Act offers mor

Owning a home has long symbolized stability, security, and success in societies across the world. Yet, for millions today, this dream has grown increasingly elusive. In Australia and South Korea, two nations separated by oceans but connected by the shared ideal of homeownership, the housing crisis has reached critical levels. While the symptoms may appear distinct, the underlying causes reveal striking parallels: urban concentration, low-interest rates, and government policies that have inadvert

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