Enhancing Urban Climate Resilience through Local Exchange and Mutual Learning
ICLEI East Asia, in partnership with the Environmental Development Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, organized a study trip on Climate Change Adaptation and Urban Resilience to South Korea on October 13-17, 2025. Supported by Partnerships for Community Development, this initiative was designed as a platform for cross-border knowledge exchange, enabling participants to gain firsthand insights into South Korea’s innovative approaches to sustainable urban development and climate adaptation strategies.
The program brought together 12 delegates from the Environmental Development Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, various climate-adaptation pilot cities, and civil organizations. Their journey included bilateral meetings with the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) under the Office of the Prime Minister of Korea, policy learning sessions with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Suwon Special City Government, and field visits to model sites such as the Gongneung Youth Culture Information Center, Haenggung-dong EcoMobility Village, the Nowon EZ Center, and Cheonggye-cheon Stream. Each destination showcased innovative approaches to building cities that are both resilient and livable.
A key goal of the study trip was to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen regional partnerships, and inspire actionable strategies for cities across Asia that are confronting similar environmental challenges. The spirit of collaboration and mutual learning was evident throughout the program.
The 12 members of the delegation are from the Environmental Development Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Xiong’an New Area in Hebei Province, Changzhi City in Shanxi Province, Lishui City in Zhejiang Province, Partnerships for Community Development, Friends of Nature Environmental Research Institute, and the China Blue Sustainability Institute.
Citizen Power in Action: Learning from Seoul
On the second day, participants gained valuable insights into the Citizens’ Committee for Green Seoul. Established in 1995, the Green Seoul Citizens Committee promotes citizen-led environmental governance by drafting, implementing, and evaluating municipal eco-plans, ensuring public input, and hosting events like World Car-Free Day and forums on carbon neutrality. With environment-focused subcommittees and open recruitment, it holds over 100 annual meetings to align on sustainability, balancing development with 30% NGO representation. Achievements include the 2015 Seoul Declaration, 2020 low-lead paint agreement, and campaigns reducing fine particulate matter, funded by Seoul’s budget. It lacks veto power but influences policy adjustments, targeting 2050 carbon neutrality (2015 peak), with minimal conflicts due to shared goals.
Meeting with the Citizens’ Committee for Green Seoul
As a relevant activity, on the fourth day, at the Gongneung Youth Cultural Information Center, youth-led projects and clubs promote cultural and environmental engagement. Supported by the Citizens’ Committee for Green Seoul, the center’s rooftop combines solar panels with a moss garden, simultaneously generating renewable energy and contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Introduction of the Gongneung Youth Culture Information Center
Group photo with the moss planted on the center’s rooftop
Bilateral Cooperation for Climate Solutions
During the meeting with the Korea Environment Institute (KEI), three experts highlighted Korea’s ambitious approach to climate adaptation and carbon neutrality. Building on the 2021 Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Basic Law, the country is implementing national and local policies to enhance resilience, support vulnerable populations, such as cooling shelters, green spaces, and adaptive infrastructure, and work toward a 2050 net-zero target. The meeting also compared Korea’s comprehensive, legislation-based approach with China’s pilot-driven strategy, encouraging further international cooperation for sustainable development.
Meeting with the Korea Environment Institute (KEI)
Inspiring Sustainability in Suwon
On day three, the delegation visited Suwon Special City in Gyeonggi-do province, a leader in balancing environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Suwon’s environmental policies target urban forest creation, air quality improvement, renewable energy expansion, and eco-friendly transportation, all in pursuit of carbon neutrality. Social inclusion is promoted through support for vulnerable groups, equitable education, and participatory governance. The city’s localized Sustainable Development Goals (Suwon SDGs) reflect global UN SDGs and are driven by robust citizen participation.
Meeting with Suwon Special City Government Officials
A highlight was the Haenggung-dong EcoMobility Village, established during the 2013 EcoMobility World Festival. This vibrant, car-free neighborhood demonstrates the power of community collaboration for sustainable mobility, featuring bike rental stations, electric scooters, and EV charging points. The ongoing efforts in Suwon left participants inspired by the city’s commitment to a greener, more inclusive future.
Ms. Yeonhee Park, Regional Director of the ICLEI Korea Office, introduced the Haenggung-dong EcoMobility Village to the delegates
Showcasing Innovation: Building Energy Efficiency and Urban Rehabilitation
The study trip also included a visit to the Nowon EZ Center, an education center for the zero-energy housing complex in Nowon-gu District. Designed as public housing for socially vulnerable groups, the center showcases how passive house design and renewable energy systems can achieve net-zero energy use, serving as a model for inclusive and sustainable urban living.
Visit to the Nowon EZ Center
They also toured the Lotte World Tower Energy Center, a LEED-certified green building that showcases energy-efficient management in a major urban landmark.
Group photo at the Lotte Tower
The following day, the delegation joined a guided tour of Cheonggyecheon Stream, an exemplary case of urban regeneration and nature-based solutions, restoring flood control, ecological balance, and recreational space in the heart of Seoul.
Additionally, during the visit, the delegation paid a visit to the ICLEI East Asia Secretariat to discuss the study visit arrangements, key areas of work, and future collaboration. Both sides explored potential collaboration opportunities in areas such as urban climate adaptation, resilience building, and international cooperation among local governments, laying a solid foundation for strengthening regional exchange and collaboration in the future.
Conclusion: Advancing Urban Sustainability Together
The study visit provided a valuable platform for the participants to have in-depth exchanges with various South Korean institutions on the themes of resilient cities and climate adaptation, creating new opportunities to deepen cooperation, promote mutual learning, and achieve shared development. Looking ahead, it is expected that China and South Korea, along with their local governments will continue to work hand in hand to advance sustainable urban development and climate adaptation efforts, jointly building a greener and more inclusive urban future.