Life of Seo Han-tae, a pioneer of South Korea's environmental movement

The book "Seo Han-tae Biography" by Park Nam-il delves into the life of Dr. Seo Han-tae, a key figure in South Korea's first generation of environmental activists. The biography serves as a reflection on the importance of environmental consciousness and action, tracing Seo's journey from a medical practitioner to a dedicated environmentalist.

A significant event highlighted in the book is the 1983 struggle against the Jinro company's plan to build a distillery in Yeongsanpo, Naju. The proposal threatened to discharge 2,700 tons of wastewater daily into the water source for Mokpo, a port city. This plan came after the completion of the Yeongsan River estuary dam in 1981, which had brought hope for a stable water supply to Mokpo's residents. The community's resistance, led in part by Seo, culminated in Jinro withdrawing its plan after five months, marking a landmark victory for citizens against corporate and governmental power in South Korea's environmental history.

Seo Han-tae, who lived from 1928 to 2019, was a radiologist who opened a practice in Mokpo in 1962. He was well-respected for his simple lifestyle and community service. His life spanned tumultuous periods in Korean history, including Japanese colonial rule, war, division, and authoritarian regimes. A turning point came in 1979 when reading books recommended by his son, who had been suspended from university for participating in protests, opened his eyes to new perspectives.

In his mid-fifties, Seo dedicated the remainder of his life to environmental activism following the Jinro distillery incident. He led organizations such as the Yeongsanho Preservation Association, Samhakdo Preservation Association, and Yudal Mountain Preservation Association. He also founded the Mokpo Green Research Society and the Mokpo Environmental Movement Federation, leaving a legacy of consistent dedication to environmental causes.