Our Volunteer Cleanup in Gangnam-gu
Reclaiming Shared Spaces Through Action
This past weekend, our Spiritus team took part in a street cleanup activity in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. At first, it might seem like a small gesture, but the impact of picking up trash from our shared spaces turned out to be far deeper than we expected. Our mission was simple: clean up the streets, corners, and sidewalks of a neighborhood we pass through every day but rarely stop to truly notice. Through this work, we were not just collecting litter, we were contributing to a cleaner, more respectful, and more shared urban environment.
From early morning, we gathered with gloves, tongs, and trash bags, united by a shared purpose. We chose a busy alley known for heavy foot traffic and frequent littering. At first glance, it looked relatively clean. But as we looked closer — between sidewalk cracks, behind poles, and around storefronts — we discovered hidden waste: cigarette butts, bits of paper, plastic packaging, bottle caps, and even abandoned household trash.
The Power of Small Actions
We divided into smaller groups to cover more ground. Some of us collected recyclables while others focused on general waste. As we worked, passersby paused to watch. Some offered words of thanks, while others glanced around and seemed to notice their surroundings differently for the first time. It reminded us that even small actions can inspire broader awareness.
One moment that stayed with us was when a team member knelt down to remove a plastic wrapper stuck deep in the pavement. It was small, hard to reach, and easy to ignore. But instead of leaving it behind, we carefully removed it and cleaned the space around it. That single act might have gone unnoticed by others, but to us, it symbolized the kind of care and attention we wanted this project to represent.
We captured before-and-after photos of the areas we cleaned, and the difference was striking. What once looked neglected became neat and inviting. A nearby shopkeeper stepped outside and said, “It looks so much better. Thank you.” That simple sentence reminded us why this work matters — because showing up and caring, even in small ways, makes a real difference.
By the end of the cleanup, we had collected multiple full trash bags, sorted them carefully, and disposed of them properly according to local guidelines. The neatly lined yellow bags weren’t just filled with trash. They were filled with proof of what we could achieve together in just a few hours.
Reflection and Team Growth
After finishing, we held a short team meeting to reflect on the day. We discussed what went well, what we could improve, and how the experience felt. Many of us admitted that we had never noticed how much hidden waste existed in familiar places. Working together toward a shared goal, even in silence, brought us closer as a team and strengthened our sense of purpose.
Beyond Just Picking Up Trash
This cleanup was more than a one-time activity. It was a wake-up call. Living in a fast-paced city like Seoul, it’s easy to assume that someone else will take care of the mess. But this experience reminded us that the city belongs to all of us, and so does the responsibility to care for it. We are not just residents or commuters — we are stewards of the spaces we share.
Looking ahead, our team plans to continue organizing regular cleanup sessions, not only in Gangnam-gu but also across other districts in the city. We hope to collaborate with local community groups, small businesses, and schools to build a broader network of people who take pride in their surroundings. We want to normalize the idea that picking up a piece of trash is just as important as not dropping one in the first place.
We also plan to document our efforts more consistently through photos, short videos, and blog posts like this one. Even if someone reading this does not volunteer immediately, maybe the next time they see a wrapper on the ground, they will pause and pick it up.
Ultimately, our goal is not just about clean streets. It is about building a culture of shared responsibility, respect for public spaces, and awareness of how small actions create big change. It is about creating a culture where people care — not because they are required to, but because they genuinely want to.
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