Seomyeon Turns Yellow: Shincheonji Volunteers Bring a Fresh Look to the Streets in Busan

 

A citizen participates in the 'Let Nature Be Green' environmental campaign held in Seomyeon, Busan on the 31st of last month, attaching a Post-it note with a promise to practise environmental protection in daily life to the 'Earth Love Promise Tree.'

Downtown Seomyeon in Busan recently became the setting for a heartwarming display of volunteer spirit. Amid the district's lively atmosphere and bustling crowds, a group of people wearing bright yellow vests caught the attention of passers-by. Working together with a clear sense of purpose, they were helping to keep the streets clean. The words "Shincheonji Volunteer Group" printed on the backs of their vests identified the volunteers and their organisation.

Volunteers from the Western and Eastern Busan branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group were carrying out a street clean-up campaign, collecting litter from pavements and less visible corners throughout Seomyeon.

Volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group are engaging in plogging on the 31st of last month, collecting household waste discarded on the streets and alleys in the Seomyeon area of ​​Busan.

Their efforts echoed similar activities undertaken near local neighbourhoods last summer. Just before the rainy season, volunteers had cleared dirt and debris from storm drains to help prevent flooding. Despite the intense summer heat, they continued working enthusiastically and without complaint, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed their dedication.

As one of Busan's busiest commercial districts, Seomyeon regularly attracts large crowds, and litter such as cigarette butts, disposable coffee cups and plastic bags can easily accumulate along its streets. However, the volunteers approached the task with enthusiasm and determination. Equipped with litter pickers and rubbish bags, they worked diligently, clearing the streets with genuine smiles.

The amount of rubbish collected was particularly striking. After cleaning just one relatively short stretch of street, they had filled four large 75-litre pay-as-you-throw rubbish bags. The sight highlighted the scale of the litter problem in busy urban areas and the importance of tackling the often-overlooked task of keeping public spaces clean.

The volunteers' efforts also offered an opportunity to reflect on everyday habits and environmental responsibility. Excessive reliance on disposable products and careless littering are reminders of the need for greater awareness and consideration of the environment.

The transformation of an untidy stretch of street into a cleaner, more welcoming space in such a short time was an uplifting sight. The initiative demonstrated how even small acts of service can make a meaningful difference to the places where people live and work.

Activities such as this show how collective action and a willingness to serve can create cleaner, brighter surroundings. Similar volunteer initiatives will hopefully continue across Busan and throughout the country. After all, maintaining a cleaner environment is a shared responsibility, and positive change often begins with people willing to take the first step.

Source: vo.la/YnEZ3YF