Chung Hyun-sik, professor of economics at Sungkyunkwan University, told a forum that Korea has made progress in harmonizing economic development and environmental protection, but still has much room to improve.

The four-day international symposium opened yesterday. Experts from China, Japan and Taiwan will discuss ways for sustainable development in the region.

Korea has a real problem in reducing energy intensity, Chung said.

"Korea's energy intensity, pesticide and fertilizer use, and CO2 emissions are among the highest in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development," Chung said.