The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan–Gyeongnam Eastern Regional Association carried out a coordinated wildfire prevention campaign across five cities—Busan, Ulsan, Jinju, Changwon, and Gimhae—earlier this month, focusing on citizen participation and practical awareness.
The campaign was organized in response to increased wildfire risks during Korea’s dry winter season and ahead of spring, when forest fire incidents historically rise.
Rather than hosting a single large-scale event, the association operated localized programs in each city while emphasizing one shared message: wildfire prevention requires consistent, repeated action in daily life.
A Multi-City Campaign Centered on Public Participation
Led by the Busan Eastern Branch, the campaign included participation from branches in Ulsan, Jinju, Changwon, and Gimhae. Each location designed on-site activities reflecting local characteristics, while reinforcing common prevention themes.
The approach focused on increasing field contact points and encouraging short but meaningful citizen engagement—such as sticker voting, photo exhibitions, quizzes, and educational displays.
Busan: Wildfire Photo Exhibition at Daecheon Park
At the entrance of Daecheon Park in Haeundae, Busan, volunteers organized a photo exhibition showcasing wildfire damage cases from 2025.
Hikers and visitors reviewed visual documentation of past wildfire destruction and participated in sticker-based activities identifying major wildfire causes.
Some participants commented that the campaign’s consistency over time was particularly impactful.
Ulsan: Experiential Programs on Munsusan Hiking Trail
In Ulsan, the campaign took place along the Munsusan hiking trail, incorporating interactive educational elements.
Programs included:
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A screening of a wildfire emergency response video
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A quiz and roulette activity on wildfire prevention
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Distribution of hiking ribbons and bottled water
Participants expressed concern over everyday risk factors such as cigarette disposal and emphasized the contrast between the long time required for forests to grow and the rapid destruction caused by fire.
Jinju: Small-Scale Awareness Activity Near Bonghwang Bridge
In Jinju, volunteers conducted a compact awareness campaign near Bonghwang Bridge, combining a photo display, leaflet distribution, and sticker voting activities.
Residents noted that even small acts of negligence can result in significant damage, reinforcing the importance of daily prevention habits.
Changwon: Comparative Exhibition and Legal Awareness
At Hanseo Building Plaza in Changwon, volunteers displayed comparative wildfire damage photos from 2019 and 2025.
The campaign also highlighted legal consequences, including penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment for severe wildfire incidents.
Warm tea and hand warmers were provided, creating opportunities for informal conversation between volunteers and passersby.
Gimhae: Appreciation Letters to Firefighters
In Gimhae, the campaign at Daecheongcheon Waterfront Park included a “Write a Thank-You Letter to Firefighters” activity.
Participants expressed gratitude through handwritten messages and drawings while pledging personal commitment to wildfire prevention.
Emphasizing the “Power of Repetition”
According to organizers, wildfire prevention cannot rely on one-time seasonal efforts.
A representative stated that sustained attention and repeated reminders are essential to building a long-term prevention culture.
The association plans to continue regionally tailored environmental campaigns that encourage practical participation rather than passive observation.
Building Awareness Through Short, Direct Engagement
The coordinated campaign across five cities reflected a field-based model of environmental volunteering—prioritizing accessibility, citizen interaction, and continuous messaging over scale alone.
Through photo exhibitions, interactive voting, educational displays, and community dialogue, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group aimed to gradually shift public perception and reinforce everyday responsibility in wildfire prevention.
Source: https://vo.la/XCT2zEg
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