Wednesday 30 / April / 2025
Seoul: In the dynamic heart of Seoul, South Korea, I found myself immersed in a journalistic experience that exceeded every expectation. Known globally for its technological prowess, South Korea surprised me with its presentation of cutting-edge innovation and untouched natural beauty, revealing a rare vision of progress that doesn’t come at the expense of peace.
Hosted by the Journalists Association of Korea, the World Journalists Conference 2025 brought together a diverse group of international reporters, editors, and media professionals, all convening in Seoul to engage with some of the most urgent issues of our time. The issues discussed ranged from artificial intelligence and climate change to the evolving landscape of global media.
Innovation meets environment
The programme began on March 30 with arrivals, hotel check-ins, and leisure time for participants to rest or even explore Seoul on their own. The official events began the next morning with the first conference session: “Shaping the Future of Journalism in the AI Media Era: Copyright and Ethical Challenges.” Journalists from around the world discussed the impact of AI-generated content and the importance of maintaining ethical standards despite AI’s rapid advancement.
After a special lecture, the opening ceremony followed. It included a video introduction to Korea and a welcoming speech by Park Jong Hyun, President of the Journalists Association of Korea.
In the afternoon, the second session took place: “The Role of Journalism in Confronting Climate Change and Environmental Shifts.” Speakers from different regions spoke about the human side of the climate crisis and the responsibility of journalism in raising awareness and pushing for change.
From these discussions, it became clear that what sets South Korea apart is the nation’s remarkable ability to nurture both rapid technological advancement and pristine natural beauty. Towering skyscrapers coexist alongside mountains and forests. Sleek high-speed trains glide past shimmering emerald rice fields. These are living testaments to a nation that plans with purpose whilst holding reverence for its land.
While the conference sessions were informative, the site visits added even greater depth to the overall experience. On April 1, participants visited the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a location historically known for conflict and division. Today, the area has been transformed into an unexpectedly lush sanctuary, full of wildlife. This place is a powerful metaphor for the spirit of South Korea: that even places that were once defined by conflict can be transformed into spaces of peace and possibility.
From there, the group traveled to Jeju Island, where they spent the next two days visiting various natural and cultural sites. The itinerary included stops along the coastline, historic villages, and local media outlets focused on preserving regional language and environmental heritage.
The spirit of a people and the power of peace
HE Sheikh Zakaria Al Saadi, Oman’s Ambassador to South Korea, praised the Korean people for their kindness and unwavering dedication to peace and unity. He described South Korea as a development model worth emulating because of how it has rebuilt itself out of the devastation of war into a beacon of progress, all while honoring its cultural roots. The ambassador’s words resonated with many of the conference’s attendees. The shared sentiment among all was that South Korea is a story of economic success. Even beyond its success, South Korea is more than just a country of rapid development: it is a society grounded in community, family, and open-hearted hospitality.
Highlight on Palestine
One of the most notable moments of the conference was the collective agreement among the international journalists regarding how important it is to amplify the Palestinian cause. They emphasised the vital role of truthful and courageous journalism in defense of human rights.
From Muscat to Seoul: Shared aspirations
A large number of the gathering in the Ambassador’s house were Omani students, many of whom are pursuing degrees in medicine. Their desire to learn in Korea reflected the growing cultural and educational ties between Oman and South Korea. Both countries shared a mutual interest in fostering talent and building a future of mutual respect and understanding.
On April 3, after travelling through Chungju and Anseong, participants visited a vineyard in the Chungcheongbuk-do region known for producing Shine Muscat grapes. These seedless, light green grapes are considered a luxury product in South Korea. They are grown with careful attention, in neat clusters beneath protective netting that is designed to shield them from pests and rough weather. Their flavor is distinctively sweet and crisp, often likened to honey or melon. The visit was illuminating for the participants, who were able to gain insight into South Korea’s approach to agriculture and how traditional farming practices are integrated alongside modern ones.
Originally developed in Japan, the Shine Muscat grapes have become a symbol of refinement in South Korea, and they are often gifted on special occasions. They are even sold individually in ornate boxes at high-end department stores. Each bunch costs a steep price, not just because of their taste, but because of the labor-intensive process required to cultivate them. Farmers must carefully prune and bag each individual cluster by hand, to ensure consistent sunlight and protection throughout the growing season. This high attention to detail reflects the values that seem to permeate South Korean society—precision, respect for tradition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Although these grapes might appear on the surface to be an indulgence, they actually support the larger narratives of South Korean sustainability, innovation, and cultural identity.
South Korea has managed to turn small plots of rural land into powerhouses of agricultural success, balancing environmental preservation with economic viability. Through agricultural innovations and careful planning, South Korea has transformed its modest rural lands into models of how agriculture can be both eco-friendly and profitable.
Carrying the knowledge of the Shine Muscat grape trees, and their seeds back home to Oman, I planted a single seed from a Shine Muscat grape in the cool soil of Jabal Akhdar. I did so not in expectation, but out of reverence and respect. I hoped to create a quiet act of connection between two landscapes that understand the value of patience, care, and hospitality.
South Korea: A living blueprint for tomorrow
From its peaceful diplomacy to its forward-thinking urban design, from its technological brilliance to its deeply embedded sense of hospitality, South Korea offers more than progress; it offers perspective.
It is not just a country you visit. It is a country you learn from.
South Korea is a nation where past and future are not at odds, but in dialogue. A reminder that resilience, balance, and bold imagination can, together, shape a brighter world.
