Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure in South Korea: Trends and Future Directions

Abstract

Diverse types of meteorological disasters that are frequently occurring at the present time, such as urban flooding, draught, heat waves, or tropical nights do not only cause casualties and property damages but also make it difficult to preserve the natural environment of the city. That is why Low Impact Development or Green Infrastructure has recently received lots of attention as a means to minimize meteorological disasters, adapt to climate change and to leave a better urban environment for the next generation. As of now, Korea's low impact development and green infrastructure technology are standing at the stage of incubation or demonstration. Both central and provincial governments have accelerated the updating of laws and regulations, which allows us to turn the Gray City with Gray Infrastructure that only uses water into a Green City with Green Infrastructure that manages the water. To spread and distribute such a notion in a systemic way, it requires new technology development tailored to Korea, verification of technology, and maintenance of related technological standards, cooperation with other industries, training & promotion, and the participation of citizens.