Cleaning with Purpose in Sinsa-Dong

Last weekend, our team carried out a two-hour cleanup in the heart of Sinsa-Dong, a neighborhood known for its trendy shops and lively streets. While it may appear clean at first glance, we discovered that much of the waste hides in plain sight, beneath benches, in sidewalk cracks, and near alleyways. Our goal was simple “to take action and show how small efforts can lead to visible change.”

What We Did

Equipped with tongs, gloves, and biodegradable trash bags, we covered a three-kilometer route through side streets, public walkways, and community parks. As we cleaned, we noticed recurring patterns in the waste cigarette butts, plastic packaging, and disposable drink containers items that are often casually discarded but harmful in the long run.

One striking moment was when a local resident stopped to thank us and mentioned how they’d never realized how much waste accumulated in their own neighborhood. Moments like that reminded us that this work isn’t just about removing trash. It’s about raising awareness and rebuilding community pride. We collected over 60 pieces of trash, and more importantly, we sparked conversations with passersby, some of whom expressed interest in joining next time. Though it was just a two-hour activity, the impact felt much bigger.

Looking Ahead

This wasn’t a one-time effort. We’re committed to making this a weekly initiative, visiting new neighborhoods, engaging with local residents, and creating cleaner, more conscious public spaces.

Through consistency, conversation, and community, we believe we can inspire others to take ownership of the spaces we all share—and slowly build a culture of environmental care from the ground up