Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Newbie]

Could anyone tell me what Korea (gov't and big companies) is doing to help the environment? I'm sure there must be some stuff out there, I just don't know of any.

I'm perplexed by things like CNN calling Korea the "technology hub" (or something like that), yet I never hear of any environmental programs/inventions. Japan did the hybrids, what has Korea done?

Now, I'm no tree hugger, but even I ain't stupid enough to ignore the problems of the environment.

Second, I know many wealthier countries could be doing A LOT more to help, but Korea is pretty much now one of the big boys. Shouldn't they be pitching in more. Espcially if they are the "technological hub".

[Bibbitybop]

Korea makes you pay a small price for plastic bags at shops and makes you pay for your garbage bags for non-recyclable trash. Many cities have a good bus and subway system that is efficient. Now, Korea, please let motorcycles (not scooters, though) on the expressways.

Also, Korea lets everyone smoke indoors. This keeps the carbon-monoxide inside the building instead of rising toward the clear blue Seoul sky.

[colonel sanders]

Everyone should do their part, but it seems a little pointless to try and improver your air and water quality when there is a pollution giant like china so near. Here are a few things I noticed koreans do that most north americans don't.

Korea did invent the radiant floor heating system, which is one of the most effecient around.

Also, every place I have been to has two sets of double pain windows.

Driers are almost non-existant.

I have an on demand hot water heater that I need to turn on 5 minutes before I shower and turn off while I am only wearing a towel.

Most buildings have flat roofs that often have gardens or plants growing on them.

I live in the country so for the most part, the produce is locally grown instead of shipped half way around the world.

Gas guzzlers common in the states are too expensive here and won't fit down the streets anyway, while the matiz and scooters are socially accecptable.

There is public transit and it works!

Resturants/schools compost their organic waste.

Beef is sooooo expensive, and should be.

I could go on and on about the little things, but it really comes down to big corporations and industry. When its profit vs the environment, money always wins.

[Smee]

This doesn't really answer the OP, but in addition to some of the things mentioned above, I really like how the fastfood places divide up the trash. Now, not all customers follow it---just like not all tenants divide up their trash properly. I do wonder if that trash does stay separated, or if it just ends up in one big pile. Nevertheless, it's a good idea, and I felt terrible back home putting all my trash into the same bag at Taco Bell.