Last weekend, our team gathered at the stunning Hyeopjae Beach, a popular tourist destination on Jeju Island, renowned for its white sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking views of Biyangdo. While the scenery was beautiful, we also noticed the unfortunate reality that litter was scattered across the beach — plastic bottles, snack wrappers, cigarette butts, and even abandoned fishing gear. We decided to dedicate our time to cleaning it up for the sake of both the environment and the many visitors who come here to make memories.
Protecting Nature for Visitors and Locals Alike
Our team split into smaller groups and began covering different sections of the beach. We worked under the bright summer sun, armed with gloves, trash bags, and a shared sense of purpose. Many tourists stopped to watch and some even joined in, showing that a simple action can inspire others. We collected items that had been buried in the sand and even removed tangled fishing lines from the rocks, knowing that these could harm marine animals. This experience reminded us that preserving nature is not just for ourselves but for everyone — locals, tourists, and future generations alike.
We also interacted with a few shop owners nearby who thanked us for our effort. They explained that a clean beach helps their businesses too, since more tourists are likely to visit and enjoy the area when it’s well-maintained. Hearing this gave our work an even deeper meaning — it wasn’t just an environmental action, but also a small contribution to the local economy and community pride.
A Step Toward a Cleaner Tomorrow
By the end of the day, we had gathered several large bags filled with waste. Looking at the pile of trash, we felt a mix of exhaustion and pride. It was a tangible reminder of how much impact a single day of effort can make. Moving forward, our team plans to return to Hyeopjae Beach regularly and also visit other coastal areas in Jeju to continue similar cleanups. We hope our small acts will encourage more people to take responsibility for the beauty of the places they visit.
As the sun set over the ocean, we left Hyeopjae Beach not only cleaner than before, but also with a renewed appreciation for how fragile and valuable our environment truly is. We realized that keeping it pristine is not just a choice, but a responsibility we all share.
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