1. Introduction to the text
Environmental activism in Korea has gained significant momentum in recent decades, driven by rising public awareness of environmental issues and concerns over the impact of rapid industrialization. This movement has its roots in the 1960s and 1970s, when the country experienced unprecedented economic growth, often at the cost of environmental degradation. As citizens began to witness the consequences of unchecked development, grassroots organizations and advocacy groups emerged to demand sustainable practices and greater accountability from the government and corporations.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean word | Romanization | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 환경운동 | hwan-gyeong-un-dong | environmental movement |
| 시민단체 | si-min-dan-che | civic organization |
| 공해 | gong-hae | pollution |
| 지속가능성 | ji-sok-ga-neung-seong | sustainability |
| 생태계 | saeng-ta-gye | ecosystem |
| 기업의 사회적 책임 | gi-eob-ui sa-hoe-jeok chaek-im | corporate social responsibility |
| 녹색성장 | nok-saeng-sang | green growth |
| 재생에너지 | jae-saeng-e-neo-ji | renewable energy |
| 환경정책 | hwan-gyeong-jeong-chaek | environmental policy |
| 기후변화 | gi-hu-byeon-hwa | climate change |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국에서는 1960년대와 1970년대에 급속한 경제성장을 이루었지만, 그 과정에서 환경 문제가 심각해졌습니다.
In Korea, rapid economic growth was achieved in the 1960s and 1970s, but this process led to severe environmental problems.
시민들은 공해와 자연 파괴에 대한 우려를 표하기 시작했고, 시민단체들이 환경보호를 위한 운동을 펼치기 시작했습니다.
Citizens began to express concerns about pollution and the destruction of nature, and civic organizations started to mobilize environmental protection movements.
1980년대와 1990년대에 들어서면서 환경운동은 더욱 활발해졌고, 정부와 기업들도 지속가능성에 대한 인식을 높이기 시작했습니다.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the environmental movement became more active, and the government and corporations began to increase their awareness of sustainability.
환경부가 설립되고 환경관련 법률이 제정되면서, 환경보호와 기업의 사회적 책임에 대한 논의가 활발해졌습니다.
With the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and the enactment of environmental laws, discussions on environmental protection and corporate social responsibility became more prevalent.
2000년대 이후, 녹색성장과 재생에너지 사용 확대 등 환경정책이 강화되었고, 기후변화 대응도 중요한 과제로 대두되었습니다.
Since the 2000s, environmental policies have been strengthened, including green growth and the expansion of renewable energy use, and responding to climate change has emerged as an important issue.
시민사회와 환경운동가들은 지속적으로 환경보호와 생태계 보전을 위한 노력을 기울이고 있습니다.
Civil society and environmental activists continue to make efforts to protect the environment and preserve ecosystems.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. When did the environmental movement in Korea gain momentum, and what were the driving factors?
2. What were some of the key developments in environmental policies and regulations in Korea?
3. How has the role of civic organizations and environmental activists evolved in Korea’s environmental movement?
4. What are some of the current environmental challenges and priorities in Korea?
5. How has the concept of sustainability and corporate social responsibility been addressed in Korea’s environmental discourse?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The environmental movement in Korea has its roots in the rapid industrialization and urbanization that took place in the 1960s and 1970s, when economic growth was prioritized over environmental concerns. As citizens witnessed the negative impact of pollution and environmental degradation, grassroots organizations and advocacy groups emerged to demand action from the government and corporations.