Shincheonji Volunteer Group cleaned storm drains and collected 2.7 tons of waste in Gwangju to help prevent urban flooding during the rainy season.
Shincheonji Volunteer Group Takes Action Before the Rainy Season
Last weekend, I visited the area around Sinyong Neighborhood Park and Malbau Market in Gwangju, where the Shincheonji Volunteer Group was carrying out environmental cleanup activities focused on preventing flood damage before the summer rainy season.
Even before getting close to the volunteers, it was easy to notice how seriously they approached the work. Some cleaned storm drains filled with cigarette butts and fallen leaves, while others carried large bags of collected trash from nearby streets and drainage areas. Watching the activity in person made me realize how closely environmental protection is connected to public safety.
The cleanup was conducted over two days on the 9th and 16th. Volunteers cleaned approximately 200 meters of drainage facilities and collected around 2.7 tons of household waste. The purpose was simple but important: improve water flow during heavy rainfall and reduce possible flooding risks in the city.
Preparing Gwangju for Heavy Rainfall
Cleaning Storm Drains Before Flood Season
The reason behind the activity became even clearer while walking around the site. In many places, small pieces of trash had already accumulated around drain covers. Plastic waste, cigarette butts, and leaves were trapped inside drainage areas that could easily overflow during heavy rain.
The Shincheonji Volunteer Group focused on removing waste before the rainy season begins, especially because Gwangju experienced serious flooding and traffic disruptions during last year’s heavy rainfall.
As I watched volunteers carefully lift debris from narrow drainage gaps, one thought kept coming to mind: small trash thrown away carelessly can eventually become a much bigger problem for an entire community.
Environmental Protection Seen Through Daily Actions
Citizens Also Began Participating
Another memorable moment came from the reactions of nearby citizens. Some people stopped briefly to watch the cleanup, while others began throwing cigarette butts into trash bins after seeing the volunteers working nearby.
The atmosphere did not feel like a campaign forced upon people. Instead, it felt natural and practical. Volunteers calmly explained how litter can affect drainage systems and increase flood risks during storms.
The Shincheonji Volunteer Group also carried out the “Beginning of the Sea” campaign alongside the cleanup. Citizens were introduced to the meaning of Marine Planting Day and Ocean Day while participating in sea glass craft experiences connected to environmental awareness.
Nearby shops also received dishwashing soap bars and sea glass goods promoting carbon neutrality practices and eco-friendly habits.
More Than Cleanup, It Felt Like Community Protection
A Scene That Stayed in My Memory
One of the most impressive moments happened near the park drainage area. Volunteers continued cleaning hidden corners that were difficult to manage regularly. Looking around, I noticed how much waste had already collected in places many pedestrians would never normally see.
A park manager nearby explained that maintaining the large drainage area with limited manpower had been difficult, especially before the rainy season. Because of that, the volunteer activity became meaningful support for local safety management.
The Shincheonji Volunteer Group repeatedly emphasized that storm drains are directly connected to citizen safety during heavy rain. Listening to that explanation while standing beside cleaned drainage paths made the message feel realistic rather than theoretical.
By the end of the activity, the streets, drains, and surrounding walkways looked noticeably cleaner. More importantly, the atmosphere itself felt different. People passing by slowed down, watched the volunteers, and seemed to think more carefully about how daily habits affect the environment around them.
Small Actions Can Protect an Entire City
This cleanup activity reminded me that environmental volunteering is not only about appearance or cleanliness. Preventing flooding, protecting public spaces, and encouraging safer habits are all connected through small daily actions.
The Shincheonji Volunteer Group stated that it plans to continue environmental cleanup and flood prevention activities together with the local community.
After seeing the work firsthand, one question stayed with me on the way home: if small pieces of trash can create flood risks, how much change could responsible actions create for a city over time?
Suggested Internal Links
Shincheonji Volunteer Group environmental campaigns
Carbon neutrality practices and community cleanup efforts
Share Your Thoughts
Have you ever seen storm drains blocked by trash during heavy rain?
What small environmental habits do you think can help protect cities from flooding? Share your thoughts below.
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