Young South Koreans embrace ‘plogging’ to cope with climate anxiety
‘Plogging’ – a mix of the Swedish phrase for ‘picking up’ and the English word ‘jogging’ – has become a hot activity for eco-anxious youth
Among South Korea’s young generations, a wave of what experts call “climate anxiety” is reshaping their daily lives, from how they exercise and shop to whether they plan to marry or have children.
Rather than taking to the streets with placards in protest, many are turning their unease into what they describe as “liveable” eco-friendly lifestyles woven into ordinary routines.
A 2024 study by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs found that more than 90 per cent of adults feel anxious about the climate crisis. Young adults in their twenties recorded the highest scores among all age groups.
Researchers also noted a “functional” side to this anxiety: the more worried people were, the more likely they were to adopt eco-friendly behaviours, rather than disengage.