Presidential Committee on Green Growth

Republic of Korea
136 Seolin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 110-729
Tel +82-2-735-2539, Fax +82-2-735-2162
www.greengrowth.go.kr

www.greengrowth.go.kr
 A National Vision for the Next 60 Years
At the same time, countries of the world
‘Low Carbon Green Growth’ is a national vision that will take Korea into the next 60 years.
need to pursue a “global deal” aimed at As proclaimed by President Lee Myung-bak on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the
implementing policies of fiscal expansion founding of the Republic on 15 August 2008, Korea has embarked on a new journey to a
to solve the worldwide economic recession different path of economic development - a green path.
and resolve massive layoffs. I am certain
that if they achieve such a “global deal” More than an Environmental Movement
through cooperation and joint efforts, Green Growth is not just another environmental program to remediate environmental
nations around the world would be able to pollution or mitigate greenhouse gas - It is much bigger. Environmental policies in the past
solve the current global financial crisis, have often focused on end-of-pipe solutions. Many times, they were caught in an endless
because only a global policy will be debate over ‘environment protection’ and ‘economic prosperity.’
effective in solving a global crisis. A New Paradigm for Economic Growth
(Keynote Address by President Lee Myung-bak at Global Korea 2009) Green Growth brings a new paradigm to economic development. It seeks to break away
from the conflicting nature of “green” and “growth” and achieve economic growth while
maintaining environmental integrity.
Green Growth will be the guiding principle of development for Korea. Korea will promote
economic activities in line with 3 key principles of: ① Maintaining productive economic
activities while minimizing the use of energy and resources; ② Minimizing environmental
pressure with every use of energy and resource; and ③ Making investments on environment
a driver for economic growth.
Korea’s Strategy Against Global Economic Recession
The global economy is facing one of the greatest economic challenges in history. It is time
for all countries to stimulate the domestic economy and create new jobs while strengthening
their resilience to future challenges.
Korea’s stimulus plan will focus on Green Growth. It aims to rise over the economic downfall
by restructuring and strengthening its economy, changing the consumption and production
pattern, and creating new “green collar” jobs and green industries.

Creation of a New Green Korea

Green Growth will be the major driver of change in Korea, from economic policies to
people’s life style.
Transition to a New 60 Years
Korea has achieved tremendous economic achievements in the last 60 years. Torn apart by
war and suffering from absolute poverty, Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world.
Despite a late start in industrialization, Korea is now the 12th largest economy and is a
worldwide leader in a number of key industries, such as semiconductors, ship-building, etc.
However, Korea needs to find a new and more sustainable path for further development. High
overseas dependence (97%) on energy source and relatively low energy efficiency in industries,
it is imperative that Korea reform its production and consumption pattern.
Changing Economy Structure and Creating a New Life Style
Korea’s resource intensive development strategy has taken its toll on the environment.
Green Growth will facilitate Korea’s transition to a knowledge - based economy and bring
greater and greener values to its production.
Green Growth will change people’s life styles. Education, increased awareness and promotion
of behavioral changes, will help make Korea to be a better place to live in for generations to
come.

Dongyang Solar Power Plant in Sinan, Jeollanam-do is the world’s largest solar power plant.

Currently “Low Carbon, Green Growth” is a
key catchphrase in Korea. Since the vision
was proclaimed in August 2008, the Korean
government has launched a series of bold
green initiatives to help Korea leapfrog into
a low carbon society.
The 1st National Basic Energy Plan
(2008~2030) and Comprehensive Plan on
Combating Climate Change
The concept of Green Growth was integrated into the national energy
and climate change plans. National energy plan, which was passed on 20
August 2008, has set the goal of increasing the share of renewable
energy to 11% by 2030. Climate change plan is the most
comprehensive and ambitious plan Korea has developed in addressing
climate change which includes adaptation and international efforts.
‘Green New Deal’ Stimulus Package
Announced on 6 January 2009, the Stimulus Package is an investment
plan of 50 trillion KRW (38.5 billion USD) for the next 4 years on 9 key
green projects and some spillover projects that will create 956
thousand new green jobs. 2009 budget (including tax benefits) is
approximately 2.6% of the annual GDP. The budget is already being
implemented and proposed additional budget request will take the total
number much higher.
9 Key projects include ① revitalization of 4 major rivers, ② building
green transportation, ③ building database on national territory and
resources, ④ water resource management, ⑤ green car and cleaner
energy program, ⑥ resource recycling program, ⑦ forest management
& biomass program, ⑧ green home, office and schools, ⑨ greener
landscape and infrastructure.
Comprehensive R&D Plan on Green
Technology
Endorsed by the National Committee on Science & Technology
announced on 13 January 2009, the Plan calls for a two-fold increase of
R&D spending on Green Technology by 2012 (769 million USD in 2008)
on 27 key technology areas such as climate change prediction &
modeling, photovoltaic solar panel, LED, waste regeneration, carbon
capture and storage, etc.
Presidential Committee and the Framework
Law on Green Growth
In order to oversee all Green Growth initiatives and provide strong
momentum, the Presidential Committee on Green Growth was
established on 16 February 2009. The Committee (co-chaired by the
Prime Minister and a distinguished professor Kim Hyung Gook)
consists of 47 members including relevant ministers and distinguished
experts and stakeholders from the private sector.
The Committee is formulating the National Strategy on Green Growth
and a five-year ‘Action Plan’ for its implementation in the first half of
2009.
The Committee will also develop a new form of governance for Green
Growth that will bring together all stakeholders from national & local
governments and private sectors.
“Chief Green Officers (CGOs)” will be appointed in all public institutions
to promote Green Growth in all public policies.
Furthermore, the government has proposed a new Framework Law
on Green Growth. If enacted, it will be a comprehensive law that will
encompass all related issues on energy, climate change and sustainable
development.
Global Leadership on Combating Climate
Change
At the G8 Summit in Toyako 2008, President Lee Myung-bak made
several key initiatives. He declared Korea will be an ‘early mover’ in
addressing climate change and announced its plan to set a 2020
mid-term mitigation target for Korea.
Korea is undergoing a study on its mitigation capabilities and will soon
announce its target after a national consultation based on the study
result. When announced, Korea will probably be the first non-Annex I
country of the UNFCCC to set its voluntary mid-term target.
Daegwalleong Wind Power Plant Complex , built in 2006, reduces 150,000 tons
of carbon dioxide annually. Cover page picture was also taken at this site.
 President Lee also launched the “East Asia Climate Partnership” at
Toyako. This is a 200 million USD development assistance initiative
(2008~2012) for developing countries in East Asia, least developed countries
(LDCs) and small island states (SIDs), who are most affected by the adverse
impacts of climate change.
In 2008, 17 projects were selected as Partnership projects in 7 partner
countries and in collaboration with 4 United Nations organizations.

‘Green Growth as a Civil Movement’

Miraculous economic growth in Korea can be accredited to the ‘Saemaul’
Movement which was launched in 1970s. Encouraging active public
participation for community development with the catchphrase “Wealthy
community for all” was a tremendous success.
The Green Growth Civil Movement will inherit its spirit and experience to
create a “Greener community for all.”
Proactive local participation for creating green communities will be
promoted through projects such as the ‘2 Million Green Homes’, ‘Greener
Town & Rivers’, Solar Cities, etc.

“When it comes to climate change and energy

President Lee Myung-bak
commutes to office on a bicycle issues, however, I want to make Korea an early mover."
President Lee at G8 Extended Meeting in Toyako, Japan 2008
Bike paths Key Indicators 2007 2012
around the nation
Green Share of Renewable Energy 2.24%(’06) > 11% (’30)
Industries Solar Power (global market share) 0.3% 5%
Green car related jobs (thousand workers) 260 300
Green Homes (households) 14,500 > 100,000
Share of LED < 1% 30%(’15)
Share of nuclear energy (in terms of capacity) 26% 41% (’30)
Fuel economy for vehicles (<1,600cc) 12.4km/ 14.45km/

Enhanced Co-generation Facilities 47 78

Quality of Life Energy efficiency certification for buildings public buildings all buildings
Hybrid vehicles 1,386 30,000
Waste regeneration (%) 1.8% 31%
Expansion of carbon sinks 625 million m2 779 million m2
Public participation on climate action 23.6% 60%

Global Greenhouse Gas Emission (ton CO2e) 591.1 decided in 2009

(for ’20 target)
Leadership
A nationwide network of bicycle belts connecting major cities and rivers. Climate change plans by local governments < 10% 100%
(% of local governments)

Share of ODA on Green Growth 11% 18%

The Cheonggye Stream was revived during President Lee’s

office as the mayor of Seoul. Once buried under concrete pavements,
this stream was transformed to a naturaland cultural center of the city,
setting a new model for urban waterways.