Reflections and Highlights from Korea: Lessons in Resilience, Design, and Community

I had the incredible opportunity to visit South Korea through a program hosted and funded by the Korea Foundation. It was an inspiring experience that deepened my appreciation for Korean culture, urban design, hospitality, and, of course, their delicious food.

What stood out most, however, was how much we can learn from Korea’s commitment to thoughtful urban planning, national resilience, and collective responsibility. Here are some highlights and reflections I brought back with me.

Urban Design that Blends Beauty and Function

Korean streets are lined with tall ginkgo trees, growing impressively tall even though they’re surrounded by concrete with little visible soil. Between the trees, long stretches of bushes and fencing help define space, separate pedestrians and cyclists from cars, and discourage jaywalking. The result is streets that are not only efficient but also beautiful and calming.

A Balanced View on Transit and Parking

Despite South Korea’s world-class public transit system, cars still play an essential role in daily life, and that’s okay. Unlike Toronto, which struggles with underdeveloped transit while aggressively reducing car infrastructure, Korea embraces a multi-modal future. Wide roads accommodate cars, dedicated bus lanes, and bike paths, all without sacrificing one for the other. One standout example was a sleek, modern parking structure that reminded me of the importance of parking availability in supporting our local businesses in a future, denser Willowdale.

Creative and Multifunctional Parks

With its high urban density, Korea has made significant investments in green spaces. Their parks aren’t just places to relax; they’re multi-purpose, beautiful, and innovative. Two examples stood out.

Seoullo 7017, a once-abandoned highway overpass, was transformed into a lush elevated linear park, much like New York’s High Line.

Gyeonggi-do’s Raised Park was built atop a tunnelized interchange, turning what would have been a noisy traffic eyesore into green public space. Can you imagine if we built a tunnel over the Don Valley Parkway and turned it into one giant park? It is hard to imagine the City of Toronto having the capital to implement such bold and innovative infrastructure.

A Nation Built on Resilience

What impressed me most was Korea’s incredible story of transformation over the last 70 years. From war-torn poverty and widespread illiteracy, the country has emerged as a global leader in technology, education, and environmental restoration, all fueled by a shared sense of national purpose and civic pride.

Two stories particularly moved me.

The Gold Donation Movement (1997)

During the Asian Financial Crisis, South Korea was forced to seek a $58 billion bailout from the IMF. In a remarkable grassroots effort, citizens across the country donated over 200 tons of gold, including wedding rings and family heirlooms, to help repay the debt. Though symbolic, this collective act of sacrifice lifted national morale and became a defining moment in Korea’s recovery.

The National Reforestation Movement

After the Korean War, much of the country’s landscape was deforested. Through the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) and the National Greening Project, millions of trees were planted by students, farmers, and civil servants. The result: South Korea is now a global model for successful reforestation.

Reflections for Canada

As someone who represents a community with a vibrant Korean population, it was meaningful to witness firsthand the depth of Korea’s civic spirit. Their story prompted me to reflect on our own Canadian narrative, one that sometimes struggles to celebrate its accomplishments due to the painful chapters in our history.

While continuing the critical work of reconciliation, we should also celebrate the bright moments that define our national identity. Doing so can inspire both new and longstanding Canadians to contribute more deeply to our shared future, especially in a time when our values and economy are being tested.

It calls to mind President John F. Kennedy’s famous words,

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

In today’s consumer-driven culture, we must reawaken the idea of civic responsibility to our city, province, and country as a vital force for progress.

With Gratitude

I would like to thank the Korea Foundation, Hyunju Chae (President of the Korean Canadian Business Association), and the many Korean citizens and organizations that welcomed me so warmly. I look forward to applying these learnings as we continue our city-building work here in Willowdale.