In the lead up to Chuseok (19th-21st September), roads across Korea became increasingly busy as families travelled to celebrate the holiday. Behind these journeys are countless bus and taxi drivers who work long hours to help passengers reach their destinations safely.
To promote road safety and express appreciation for these essential transport workers, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Peter Tribe, organised a “Safe Driving Campaign” on 20th September 2026. The campaign took place across major cities in Gwangju and South Jeolla Provice, including Gwangju, Mokpo, Yeosu, and Gwangyang.
Practical Support and Encouragement for 126 Drivers
Wearing sashes bearing the message “Safe Driving Today, We Support You!”, church members visited designated drop-off areas and greeted 126 taxi and bus drivers.
Volunteers prepared practical care packages designed to help drivers stay alert and comfortable during the busy holiday period. The packages included:
- Anti-drowsiness supplies: Energy drinks, bottled water, coffee, candies, and anti-drowsiness gum
- Vehicle air fresheners: Providing a more pleasant driving environment
Campaign banners also highlighted essential road-safety reminders, including avoiding speeding, not using mobile phones while driving, wearing seatbelts in all seats, and exercising additional caution in poor weather conditions.
Supporting Road Safety and the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo
In Yeosu, the campaign also connected road-safety awareness with local community support for the upcoming 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.
Volunteers from Shincheonji Yeosu Church presented drivers with specially designed car air fresheners featuring “Daseomi,” the official mascot of Yeosu City. The gifts carried messages such as “Building a Safe Yeosu, Happy Citizens,” combining practical support for drivers with encouragement for the local community.
Drivers Express Their Appreciation
The campaign received positive responses from local transport workers.
One Gwangju taxi driver said, “The anti-drowsiness sweets are a huge help during long shifts. Receiving these items makes me feel safer while driving.”
A regional bus driver shared, “They provided coffee, water, snacks, and drowsiness gum. Having people check in on us encourages me to follow every traffic signal and drive even more carefully.”
A driver in Gwangyang added, “I received a gift last summer as well. I’m grateful that they remembered us again this holiday.”
Some passersby and local residents also expressed interest in seeing similar campaigns extended to private vehicle drivers during future holidays.
Encouraging a Safer Community During Chuseok
A representative of Shincheonji Peter Tribe said, “With heavy traffic during Chuseok, safety awareness among both drivers and passengers is especially important. We hope this campaign reminds people to follow basic safety practices, including wearing seatbelts and taking steps to prevent drowsiness.”
Through practical care packages, road-safety messages, and holiday encouragement, the Safe Driving Campaign sought to support transport workers during one of Korea’s busiest travel periods while promoting greater awareness of road safety across the community.
Source: https://vo.la/c847grD
