Stimulating Local Economy: Shincheonji Geoje Branch Pairs Marine Market Cleanup with Traditional Shopping Drive
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| On 9th June, volunteers are collecting litter while the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Geoje Branch is conducting the 'Nature, Be Green!' environmental clean-up campaign at Okpo Market in Geoje. |
Enhancing Traditional Market Environment to Revitalise Foot Traffic
For traditional markets competing with large-scale discount stores, maintaining a clean and sanitary pedestrian environment is a primary factor in attracting residents and tourists. To support local small business owners and enhance the public image of regional commerce, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Geoje Branch executed a combined environmental and economic initiative on 9th June. Operating under the flagship project "Nature, Be Green!" (Jayeon-ah Pureuja), the operation took place throughout the Okpo International Market and its surrounding commercial districts in Geoje.
Systematic Infrastructure Cleanup: 200 Litres of Debris Collected
Okpo International Market is a representative traditional venue in Geoje, known for supplying fresh seafood and regional food items to thousands of annual visitors. To clear the high-traffic zones, the Geoje Branch mobilised systematic cleanup protocols:
- Targeted Operations: Starting at 10:00 AM, 28 branch members spent approximately 3 hours combing through the market alleys and adjacent roadsides.
- Waste Management: The volunteers collected a total of 200 liters of discarded waste, including cigarette butts, plastics, and vinyl wrappers that block public pathways.
- Public Campaign: Parallel to the physical cleanup, the volunteers conducted the "Healthy Our Neighbourhood" Campaign to directly communicate the importance of environmental preservation to visiting citizens.
Direct Economic Support Through On-Site Market Purchases
A distinct aspect of this initiative was its direct link to local economic activity. Immediately following the environmental cleanup, the 28 participating members transacted directly with market vendors:
- Consumer Integration: The volunteers actively purchased local food ingredients, daily necessities, and household supplies across various market stalls to stimulate the alleyway economy.
- Vendor Feedback: Local shop owners expressed gratitude for the dual-purpose initiative, with one merchant noting that the volunteers not only thoroughly cleaned the market streets but also provided tangible financial support to the sellers by purchasing goods.
Commitment to Sustained Regional Mutual Prosperity
The Geoje Branch emphasised that preserving local markets requires consistent, multi-faceted engagement rather than temporary events. Dong-il Yeom, the Branch Head of the Geoje Branch, stated that the group is pleased to contribute to making the traditional market a cleaner and more vibrant space. The representative affirmed that the branch will continue to plan sustainable volunteer programmes that regularly combine environmental purifications with direct commercial utilisation to foster long-term coexistence with the local community.
Source: vo.la/WZJO658
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