Only four weeks ago, as I was sitting in the taxi from the airport headed to my new apartment in Seoul, I had my forehead pressed to the glass taking in what will be my home for the summer. When I saw a cluster of skyscrapers come into view, I got so excited and reached for my phone to snap photos of what HAD to be the Seoul skyline. Then, we kept driving past it, and I realized that we weren’t even close to the city center—that was just a random neighborhood on the outskirts. In hindsight, that feeling of excitement - and, yes, confusion - represents how I feel living in Korea as a UNESCO fellow. In just a few short weeks, I’ve grown in my confidence and comfort navigating this new city and different professional and social norms, which I know will stay with me in unexpected ways even after I leave.
This summer, I am working with the Office of Research and Development at the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) on various projects related to global citizenship education (GCED) contributing to their larger mission of building a culture of peace. So, what even is GCED?
Global citizenship isn't a legal status, but a sense of shared belonging and responsibility that drives collective action. As challenges increasingly cross national borders, GCED goes beyond transmitting knowledge — it shapes attitudes and values through experience and socialization, encouraging active participation in solving interconnected global issues. GCED involves three dimensions: the cognitive (critical knowledge and thinking), the socio-emotional (empathy, solidarity, and respect for diversity), and the behavioral (taking responsible, proactive action for a more peaceful and sustainable world). It asks not just whether education is accessible and high-quality, but whether what students learn will genuinely make the world more inclusive, secure, and tolerant.
While GCED experts debate effective ways to measure and assess global citizenship education, I have anecdotally noticed these socio-emotional and behavioral dimensions of GCED here in Korea such as the sense of solidarity, commitment to a common good, and respect for one another. And so, with my newly-minted GCED goggles on, I want to share a few observations of what I interpret to be GCED in action.
Green Living
Within days of arriving, I was quite struck by how green Seoul is as a city—both figuratively and literally! Once I started noticing the color green around the city, I couldn’t unsee it —from the buses and subway turnstiles, bike paths, sidewalk pavers, overpasses, and painted green roofs to even my desk chair! The list could go on and on, and my phone’s camera roll can prove it.
On the tour of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, I learned that the five royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul share similar layouts and features, including the colors of the buildings. The walls are usually a brown red color, mimicking a tree trunk, with the roof tiles usually painted green like leaves, all in an attempt to blend in with the natural surroundings. Because of traditional beliefs that the land itself possesses life energy and that human wellbeing is deeply connected to the environment, the construction and placement of homes, cities, and burial sites considered the proper energy flow that would bring peace, prosperity, and protection to families and communities.
The intentional palace design is emblematic of the ethos of modern Seoul as this historic desire to live and create harmoniously with nature continues today. In comparison to the urban sprawl visible across the US, it feels like the whole city is consciously striving to be global citizens that respect our shared planet and collective humanity through sustainability efforts (even in the smallest of ways).
The Seoul infrastructure encourages sustainable habits - from the comprehensive recycling systems to the robust and affordable public transit system. While I am not sure I will ever be able to confidently stand as the bus (which is often green inside and out!) rips around corners and up hills, winding through narrow streets, I could definitely get used to a functioning public transit system that enables residents to navigate the city comfortably without a car—reducing both traffic and CO2 emissions. I coincidentally live on the Seoul Subway Line 2 (the Green Circle Line), and because of the subway system, I am easily connected to the many surrounding mountains, making day-hikes doable, which I plan to take more advantage of in the remaining weeks (even if my Midwestern body isn’t quite sure how to handle such elevation combined with this oppressive Seoul summer heat…).
Accessibility to Nature
From my apartment, I can be fully surrounded by trees and thick greenery in just a 20 minute walk to two different parks. Parks are everywhere–and not just some wimpy city park with plastic turf for dog owners to take their dogs out! They are lush, vibrant, transportive green spaces tucked into neighborhoods with features that encourage people to utilize the space (such as outdoor workout equipment, numerous places to rest, and unique playgrounds). There are a few paths near my office and my apartment that allow residents to not just “touch grass” but connect with the earth barefoot – encouraging moments of peace, tranquility, and restoration. On a nice night, the parks alongside the Han River are filled with cute couples out for their picnics, friends enjoying a bowl of ramen from the convenience store, and kids playing.
Seoul prioritizes access to nature and preserving the integrity of these green spaces—even in the heart of a bustling metropolitan city. In DC, we do have a few green spaces for a picnic or parks for a walk, but whenever the weather is nice, they’re usually so crowded that it can disrupt the quiet connection that I look for. Here, their prevalence makes moments of quiet in the hustle and bustle become easier to find.
K-Beauty
Korea (rightfully so) is famous for its cutting-edge beauty treatments and technologies, but beyond the viral K-Beauty skin and hair trends and products, Korea appreciates and encourages beauty in all aspects of the city. So much care and intention goes into each space—making every café and rose-filled roundabout seem like the most Insta-worthy spot ever! Even installing art around the city is mandated by zoning regulations and laws for any newly constructed building.
While enjoying the view from the summit of Inwangsan Mountain, I tripped on what I realized was a fake stone crafted to hide the lights designed to blend into the earth and preserve some of the natural beauty. Similarly, the sidewalk near the office was covered with a green carpet for weeks while it was awaiting repairs. These investments and attention to details demonstrates the Korean consideration of beauty and once again continues this commitment to harmonizing the built world with the natural world. Little choices made to assist curb appeal and natural look add up to a general attitude and commitment to taking pride in the city’s cleanliness, beauty, and harmony with nature.
I think we have a lot we can and should learn from Korea! I know there is much that I will be taking back to the US with me– and at the end of the day, that is what GCED means by thinking globally but acting locally.
I almost feel silly writing about the color green for this blog post rather than sharing grand reflections and innovative approaches to achieving world peace, but the opportunity to slow down and move beyond being a tourist is the aspect of this experience for which I am most grateful. It already feels that this summer is slipping by way too fast, and with so much left to explore and experience, I will make the most of every day, pay attention to the small details, and see what even a “normal” workday can teach me (about Korea and myself!). Stay tuned for more adventures on my lifelong journey to be(com)ing a global citizen!
Ally Glasford is a current M.A. Candidate in the International Education Program at the George Washington University. Her interests include experiential learning in higher education and international exchange for a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.