Abstract
This behavioural study explores emerging sustainable tendencies of the Subject during an academic placement in Seoul. Using ethnographic methods i.e., diary entries and passive surveillance (CCTV), researchers monitored the subjects’ neurocognitive states and behaviourisms. Results highlight increased eco-cognition, decreased impulsive travel, and an evolving but imperfect carbon-footprint awareness.
Observations
DAY 1 – Initial Exposure to Environment
Subject displays overstimulation upon arrival in Seoul. Gawps at the endless parade of planes revolving around Incheon airport like pigeons circulating a chip shop.
First Uber booked within 11 minutes; claims the airport bus “felt too much like a test.”
DAY 31 – “Eco-Theatre”
Subject enjoys serene walk in a local park. Later discovers it’s actually built on a reclaimed industrial wasteland. Expresses confusion about the authenticity of nature and why there was such a big landfill anyway.
DAY 68 – Eco-Consciousness Attempt?
Subject invests in a reusable coffee bottle; loses it within 3 hours resulting in purchasing an iced-coffee in a single-use plastic cup from GS25.
Hypothesis: Convenience continues to trump conscience at current.
DAY 95 – Waste Disposal Conditioning
Subjects’ lack of adhering to Korea’s “over-the-top” 14-category recycling system induces acute public embarrassment.
Corrective feedback delivered by the landlord in the form of a 1,000,000 KRW fine for failing to respect waste disposal rules. Ouch
Attitude to recycling changes immediately, juxtaposing previous negligence.
DAY 138 – Jeju Diving Expedition
Subject participates in diving trip off the infamous Jeju island. Details concern that the coral appeared “anxiously white.”
Research reveals coral bleaching of Korea’s eastern coast is up to ~62% due to rising ocean temperatures and destructive fishing techniques.
DAY 190 – Airpocalypse
Seoul’s air quality index plummets due to wildfires and seasonal yellow dust causing city-wide smog accumulation. Pollution reaches hazardous levels, posing serious health risks.
Subject particularly struggles with their asthma today.
Evaluation: Heightened environmental quality awareness.
DAY 251 – Fast Fashion Relapse
Subject revisits Seongsu-dong for more, yes more, clothes. Buys 3 T-shirts for less than a sandwich and hails the day a success.
Later contemplates how clothes can be produced so cheaply and researches polyester materials, learning plastics don’t biodegrade.
Subject mulls over the landfill parks whilst looking at all the clothes they’ve amassed over the year, guiltily knowing they won’t all be coming home.
DAY 293 – Behavioural Rewiring
Subject rejects taxi offer. Chooses to bike instead. No external compulsion. Indicates spontaneous internalisation of sustainable values and eco-maturity.
Conclusion
Subject demonstrated proactive sustainable behaviours marked by swapping daily conveniences for conscious interventions through gradual learning.
Though initially impulsive and inconsiderate of sustainable values, the Subject showed signs of daily behavioural shifts over time – including voluntary changes in travel, increased recycling rates, and emotional connection to natural green spaces.
Study abroad does not create environmental stewards, but it does give insight into the uncomfortable beginnings of behavioural change needed to adopt more sustainable processes.
Daily conscious actions instead of convenient comforts are the choices that make a difference.
Sustainability is a process – and occasionally, a mess.
