Our Volunteer Cleanup in Gangnam-gu
This past weekend, our team took part in a street cleanup volunteer activity in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Although it may seem like a small gesture, the impact of picking up trash from our shared public area turned out to be deeper and more meaningful than we initially expected. Our mission was simple: clean up the streets, corners, and sidewalks of a neighborhood we pass through every day, yet rarely stop to truly notice. We weren’t just cleaning up—we were participating in the effort to create a cleaner, respectful, and shared urban space.
From early morning, our team gathered with gloves, trash bags, and a shared sense of purpose. We chose a busy alley known for its foot traffic and, unfortunately, frequent littering. At first glance, the area looked relatively clean. But once we started looking closely—between sidewalk cracks, behind poles, around shop fronts—we found plenty of hidden waste: cigarette butts, bits of paper, plastic packaging, bottle caps, and even some abandoned household trash.
We split into small groups and spread out to cover as much ground as possible. Some of us took charge of collecting recyclables, while others focused on general waste. As we worked, we drew curious glances from passersby—some even stopped to say thank you, and others looked around at the area, perhaps seeing it differently for the first time. It reminded us that sometimes, small actions can trigger bigger awareness in others.
Realizing the Power of Small Actions
One moment that really stayed with us was when one of our team members got down on their knees to pull out a plastic wrapper stuck deep in the sidewalk. It was easy to ignore—it was small, hard to reach, and barely visible. But our team didn’t skip over it. Instead, we took the time to remove it, clean the surrounding space, and leave it better than we found it. That action may have gone unnoticed by most, but to us, it symbolized the kind of care and attention we wanted to bring to this project.
We took before-and-after photos of the areas we cleaned, and the difference was stark. What once looked neglected and cluttered became clean, neat, and even more inviting. One of the shopkeepers near our cleanup site came out and said, “It looks so much better. Thank you.” That single sentence reminded us why we do this—why it matters to show up, to care, and to do what we can, even if it feels small.
By the end of the cleanup, we had collected multiple full trash bags, which we sorted and properly disposed of in accordance with local guidelines. The bags—yellow, tightly sealed, and lined up neatly—were a clear visual of our collective effort. Each one held not just waste, but also the proof of what we could achieve together in just a few hours.
After finishing the work, we held a short team meeting to reflect on the day. We discussed what went well, what could be improved, and how we felt throughout the process. Many of us shared that we had never noticed just how much waste was hidden in everyday places. We also agreed that working together toward a shared goal, even in silence, brought us closer as a team.
What Comes Next: Beyond Just Picking Up Trash
This cleanup was more than just a one-time event for us. It was a wake-up call. Living in a fast-paced urban environment 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 aren’t just residents or commuters; we are stewards of the spaces we share.
Moving forward, our team plans to continue organizing regular cleanup sessions, not just in Gangnam-gu but across different districts of the city. We’re also exploring ways to collaborate with local community groups, small businesses, and even schools to create a broader network of citizens who take pride in their surroundings. We want to help normalize the idea that picking up a piece of trash is just as important as not dropping one in the first place.
We also aim to document our efforts more consistently through photos, short videos, and blog posts like this one—sharing what we learn and inviting others to join. Even if someone reading this doesn’t volunteer right away, perhaps the next time they see a wrapper on the ground, they’ll pause for a moment and pick it up.
Ultimately, our goal isn’t just about clean streets. It’s about creating a culture of shared responsibility, respect for public space, and awareness of the small things that add up to big changes. The kind of culture where people care, not because they have to, but because they want to.
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