The Modern Evolution of Environmentalism : The Case of Korea, 1960~1989

Abstract

This paper is aimed to observe the evolution of social consciousness in environmental awareness and the developmental phases of measures to protect the environment in Korea. The study in this paper covers the last three decades (1960-1989). During that time, Korean society has moved from a state of absolute poverty to that of the wealth associated with industrialization. Korea has thus been transformed into one of the most prominent newly industrializing countries in the world. The successful industrialization of Korea was the product of the economic growth first movement. At that time, there was next to no social perception of the possible detrimental environmental effects of the industrialization and its concomitant urbanization. Fortunately, however, the situation has been constantly changing over the last thirty years. As the per capita income rose with the increasing industrialization, the environment was more and more adversely affected: people began to see their daily lives directly threatened. It seems meaningful and important to observe the evolution of social consciousness in environmental awareness and the developmental phases of measures to protect the environment for two main reasons. Firstly, though the environment has been severely affected, economic growth has been unprecedented in the world.