Sixth AREA Ruhr Book Talk Podcast published: Guahk on Eco-City Transition in South Korea

Youngah Guahk’s book explores the crucial issue of sustainable transition in modern industrial societies by focusing on local dynamics in South Korea. As urbanization continues, eco-city development has become especially important in East Asia, and Guahk’s work highlights key aspects of urban sustainability. The book examines specific cases of Korean local governments pursuing sustainable urban development, assessing their progress through a variety of sources and research methods. It provides detailed studies of Suwon—where debates over economic development costs led to policy changes and only partial sustainability success—and Jeju province, where efforts to protect natural heritage and tourism drove a long-term push for international recognition. By comparing the objectives, strategies, and decision-making in these two cases, the book clarifies the roles of local leaders, central government, civil society, and international organizations. Guahk’s analysis deepens our understanding of the challenges and drivers of local sustainable transition in South Korea and beyond.

Dr. Youngah Guahk is a lecturer at Luiss University in Rome, Italy, and works on Korean affairs. A native speaker of Korean, she is a trained political scientist who received the title of Dr. rer. pol. (PhD) from the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. Dr. Guahk is interested in and has published on political institutions in Korea, such as the Korean National Assembly, the role of local government, and on public and cultural diplomacy.

This episode is hosted by AREA Ruhr member Prof. Dr. Axel Klein (University of Duisburg-Essen, Institute of East Asian Studies). The talk took place on 25 November 2025.