Sokcho City is home to beautiful mountainous and marine landscapes, attracting around 25 million visitors every year. Yet, despite having a population of only around 80,000, marine waste in Sokcho remains a serious problem for the local community.

To this end, on the 20th April, about 100 members of the Sokcho branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group took part in a drive to clean up the area around Sokcho Beach as part of the 'Sea You Again, Sokcho' project.

Various campaign activities were carried out by the Sokcho branch, including holding outdoor booths to inform visitors of the detrimental impact of marine waste and microplastics. Indeed, plastic, which accounts for more than 80% of ocean waste, converts into microplastics, which cause respiratory diseases and adverse effects on the hormonal and immune systems. Booths also included a litter prevention campaign and an upcycling experience, which involves the process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products perceived to be of greater quality.

A tourist from Seoul said, “I heard that marine debris is a serious issue these days. By volunteering and participating in various campaigns like this, I once again feel the importance of environmental protection.”

Sokcho Branch Manager Jun-woo Jeong said, “Through the third large-scale environmental clean-up project and campaign activities this year, we had a valuable time sharing common values with citizens.” He added, “The Sokcho branch will continue to work on marine environmental cleanup and various social activities to help the local community.”