Sustainability News
Reporting, analysis, and commentary on sustainability from Breeze in Busan.
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The True Price of Daiso’s Plastic Empire
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
4 min read
South Korea’s Forests: A Restoration Success Story Faces Aging Challenges
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
4 min read
South Korea’s Grain Act: A Key to Food Security or Fiscal Burden?
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
4 min read
The Generational Divide in Australia and South Korea's Housing Markets
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
8 min read
How Climate Change Is Reshaping Korean Cuisine
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
4 min read
Can Busan Achieve Seoul’s Architectural Renaissance?
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
5 min read
How Modern Farming Changed Korea’s Nutrient Intake
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
14 min read
Revitalizing Busan’s Waterways for a Sustainable Future
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
6 min read
Localism's Promise and Peril in Revitalizing Cities
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
7 min read
How Climate Change is Threatening Kimchi Production
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
3 min read