Teacher’s Summary: In “Exploring Korean Culture: An Environmental Science Student’s Perspective,” Will Thompson, an 11th-grade honors student, delves into the intersection of Korean cultural practices and environmental sustainability. Through field research, interviews, and hands-on experiences, Thompson discovers the profound ways in which Korean culture integrates environmental consciousness, from traditional food practices emphasizing medicinal qualities and biodiversity to evolving gender roles and their implications for professional fields. The project highlights how cultural attitudes towards the environment can inform sustainable practices and foster a deeper understanding of global environmental challenges. This exploration underscores the importance of cultural awareness in promoting holistic and adaptable environmental solutions.
Exploring Korean Culture: An Environmental Science Student’s Perspective
Will Thompson
Honors Environmental Science, Grade 11
Oakwood High School
Introduction
As an aspiring environmental scientist, I’ve always been fascinated by how different cultures interact with their environment. When our class was assigned a project on world cultures, I jumped at the chance to explore Korean culture. Little did I know that this project would not only broaden my cultural horizons but also give me new perspectives on environmental practices and sustainability.
The Challenges of Field Research
I’ve done plenty of field work for my environmental science projects, but interviewing people about their culture was a whole new challenge. Some people seemed wary when I approached them on the street, probably thinking I was trying to sell them something for our school’s latest fundraiser. But persistence paid off, just like when I’m tracking down rare plant species for my biodiversity studies. I found some incredibly knowledgeable and friendly people who were happy to share their insights about Korean culture.
A Glimpse into Korean History
My research started with the fascinating legend of Tan’gun, the half-human, half-divine founder of the Korean state. As someone who’s studied the impact of creation myths on environmental attitudes, I was intrigued by how this legend has shaped Korean identity. I learned that while Buddhism was once the dominant religion, Confucianism later took its place. An interviewee explained that Confucianism emphasizes family, education, and group behavior – values that reminded me of the interconnectedness we study in ecosystem dynamics.
Cultural Attitudes and Behaviors
One of the most interesting things I discovered was how Koreans have different social behaviors in public and private settings. In public, they might not greet strangers, which could be misinterpreted as unfriendliness. But in private homes, they’re incredibly hospitable. This reminded me of how some animals behave differently in their territories versus neutral grounds – a concept we covered in our ecology unit.
The respect for elders in Korean culture also caught my attention. It made me think about the wisdom of indigenous elders in preserving traditional ecological knowledge, something we’ve studied in relation to sustainable practices.
Gender Roles and Cultural Evolution
I was particularly interested to learn about the changing roles of women in Korean society. As someone who believes in gender equality, especially in scientific fields, I was glad to hear that women are taking on more prominent roles in education and professional fields. It reminded me of the increasing number of women in environmental science and how diverse perspectives can lead to more comprehensive solutions to environmental challenges.
Korean Cuisine: A Lesson in Biodiversity
The Korean approach to food was a revelation to me. Learning that every plant and animal in their diet has some herbal or medicinal quality made me think about the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems. The variety of wild plants used in Korean cooking – from wild aster to royal fern bracken – showcases the rich plant diversity of the Korean peninsula. It made me wonder about the potential medicinal properties of plants in our local ecosystems that we might be overlooking.
A Cultural Culinary Experience
Our class visit to a Korean restaurant was like a practical lab in cultural immersion. The gas grill at the table for cooking bulgogi (Korean barbecue) made me think about energy efficiency in cooking methods. The absence of knives at the table and the presentation of food in bite-sized pieces struck me as a clever way to reduce waste – something we could learn from in our efforts to promote sustainable dining practices.
The array of side dishes served with the meal was like a biodiversity showcase on a plate. It reminded me of the importance of crop diversity in sustainable agriculture. The purple sticky rice was particularly intriguing – it made me curious about the nutritional differences between various rice varieties and their environmental impact.
Learning from Cultural Practices
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was about the Korean custom of eating rice with a spoon rather than chopsticks. I accidentally used my chopsticks for rice, committing a cultural faux pas without realizing it. This experience highlighted the importance of cultural awareness and made me think about how easily we can misinterpret or overlook important aspects of other cultures’ relationships with their environment and resources.
Conclusion
This project has been an eye-opening experience, showing me how cultural studies and environmental science can intersect in fascinating ways. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how cultural practices can reflect a society’s relationship with its environment. The Korean emphasis on medicinal foods, for instance, showcases a holistic approach to health and environment that we could learn from in our own sustainability efforts.
Moreover, this experience has reinforced the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in addressing global environmental challenges. As I continue my journey in environmental science, I’ll carry these lessons with me, always seeking to understand the cultural context of environmental practices and solutions.
This project has not only expanded my cultural horizons but also deepened my commitment to promoting sustainable practices that respect both natural ecosystems and cultural traditions. It’s a reminder that in our interconnected world, environmental solutions must be as diverse and adaptable as the cultures they serve.
Online References
1. Lee, Hyung-min. “The Role of Women in Modern Korean Society.” Asian Social Science, vol. 15, no. 2, 2020, pp. 102-115, www.asiansocialscience.org/korean-society.
2. Park, Sung-woo. “Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices in Korean Cuisine.” Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 9, 2020, pp. 3335-3348, www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/korean-cuisine.