reefs Soul Soil
Korea’s Soul in Its Soil
In today’s world, environmental problems are no longer isolated concerns; they affect every aspect of our lives, from the air we breathe to the culture we experience. As a young person interested in cultural preservation, I have come to realize that culture and the environment are inseparable. In fact, our environment can be seen as a form of culture itself, influenced by human activity while also influencing how communities preserve their traditions.
One area where this connection becomes especially clear is in tourism. While tourism creates opportunities to experience various cultures, it can also contribute to environmental degradation when not approached sustainably. As a Korean youth, I have witnessed firsthand how Korea is being affected by tourism. Experiencing environmental consequences such as pollution and overcrowding in real time has made me reflect on the urgent need to protect both cultural identity and the natural world. I believe it’s important to think about how tourism, culture, and the environment are all connected and how we can move forward for a sustainable future.
Cultural tourism, which I define as travel centered on experiencing a region’s heritage, arts, and way of life, has seen significant growth in recent years. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), cultural tourism now accounts for approximately 40% of global tourism, and the number continues to rise. This wave may bring pride in local identity and bring economic benefits. However, it can also place enormous pressure on the local environment.
Cultural tourism is especially significant because it influences not only the environment but also the preservation of culture itself. Unlike general sightseeing or leisure travel, it interacts deeply with a community’s identity: its architecture, historical landmarks, traditional structures, and natural attractions that reflect its cultural character. In South Korea, for example, the rise of interest in historical neighborhoods like Bukchon Hanok Village has drawn millions of visitors eager to experience traditional Korean architecture and aesthetics. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Bukchon attracts over 3 million visitors annually, overwhelming a neighborhood that is home to just a few thousand residents.
However, the environmental consequences of tourism are often overlooked in the excitement of cultural discovery. The narrow alleyways, originally designed for low foot traffic, now experience frequent overcrowding and increased litter. The influx of tourists also contributes to rising energy demands and higher carbon emissions from transportation, which even accelerates wear on centuries-old building materials. Traditional hanok homes are constructed from natural materials like wood, clay, and paper, making them especially vulnerable to damage. Reports from the Seoul Hanok Preservation Foundation show that up to 25 percent of hanoks in Bukchon require frequent repairs due to both physical deterioration and environmental exposure caused by tourism.
In natural landscapes, the impact of tourism on the environment is more directly visible. The Jirisan festival causes congestion along protected mountain trails, leading to soil erosion and the disruption of native plant life. This is especially concerning because Jirisan is one of Korea’s most biodiverse regions, known for its rare species and seasonal beauty. Damaging its native flora not only threatens local ecosystems but also undermines the very appeal that draws tourists to the region in the first place.
As a young person, I believe that youth have a major responsibility, both in the short term and the long term, to address these challenges, prevent irreversible harm, and help preserve our culture and environment for future generations to enjoy to the fullest, while also protecting local communities. We must take the lead in reimagining cultural tourism with sustainability at its core, making every effort with environmental awareness in mind.
One of the most impactful steps is promoting community-based tourism, where visitors interact directly with locals through guided tours, workshops, or homestays. More importantly, such initiatives often include environmental education and encourage the preservation of cultural and ecological sites. For example, youth-led groups in Jeonju Hanok Village have started offering eco-conscious walking tours that emphasize both cultural history and environmental protection. By limiting the size of groups and partnering with local artisans, they help reduce environmental impact while supporting cultural heritage.
Additionally, people, especially young individuals, can utilize digital platforms to raise awareness about eco-responsible travel behaviors. Through social media, young advocates can educate travelers on practices such as minimizing plastic waste, respecting local customs, and choosing public transportation or biking when exploring cultural sites. In South Korea, a group of university students recently launched an online campaign encouraging tourists to carry reusable water bottles and use eco-maps to track down sustainable businesses within heritage zones, such as Insadong. These actions may seem small, but collectively, they help transform the tourism culture toward one that respects both people and the planet.
Additionally, in the long term, investments in green architecture for tourism infrastructure can help balance cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. For example, eco-lodges built from sustainable materials and powered by renewable energy can serve tourists without placing a heavy burden on the environment. Retrofitting existing facilities to incorporate solar panels or rainwater collection systems would allow culture to thrive without compromising the environment. One inspiring example is the Sirikoi Lodge in Kenya.
It is fully solar-powered and operates off-grid, using gravity-fed spring water. The lodge minimizes its use of plastic, enforces strict recycling practices, and employs eco-friendly wastewater management systems. Situated within a wildlife conservancy, the lodge contributes to the resurgence of endangered species while supporting the well-being of surrounding communities. This model demonstrates how tourism can successfully integrate cultural respect with environmental sustainability. A similar approach can be adapted in Korea by developing eco-friendly guesthouses near cultural sites such as Gyeongju or Andong, using traditional hanok designs with modern sustainable upgrades.
Lastly, youth can shape a new narrative around tourism: one that views cultural appreciation and environmental care not as opposing forces but as shared responsibilities. Through art, writing, and even community events, young creators can highlight stories that celebrate both. Schools and youth organizations should also integrate interdisciplinary education that educates people on both culture and tourism, so future generations grow up with a detailed understanding of their relationship.
In conclusion, tourism today is causing significant harm to the environment, which in turn negatively impacts South Korea’s cultural heritage. Instead of rejecting tourism altogether, we should focus on redefining what it means to be a respectful visitor, someone who views culture not as a product to consume but as a living system to protect. From peer education to design innovation and digital storytelling, young people have the creativity and passion to inspire lasting change not only within their own communities but across the world.
By: Janice Kim Lee
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
About the Author
