Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheongju Branch Marks 143 River Cleanups Over 14 Years, Improving Local Streams

Long-Term Volunteer Efforts Help Transform Urban Streams in Cheongju

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheongju Branch, led by Branch Head Byun Jae-jun, has carried out 143 river cleanup activities over the past 14 years, contributing to visible environmental improvements in local streams across Cheongju, South Korea.

On March 6, around 50 volunteers participated in the latest cleanup activity along Mipyeongcheon Stream in Bunpyeong-dong, Seowon District as part of the environmental campaign “Let Nature Be Green.”

During the activity, volunteers collected various types of waste left along the stream and surrounding areas, including Styrofoam, plastic bags, and household trash.

14 Years of Continuous Environmental Volunteer Work

The Cheongju branch began its river cleanup efforts in 2012 and has continued the activities for 14 consecutive years.

The volunteer group regularly manages more than 8 kilometers of urban streams, including:

• Suseokcheon

• Musimcheon

• Mipyeongcheon

• Yullyangcheon

• Areas around Wolcheon Bridge in Seonghwa-dong

Over time, the program has grown significantly. According to the branch:

• Total cleanup activities: 143

• Total participants: approximately 7,000 volunteers

• Total waste collected: 177,500 liters

This amount of waste is equivalent to filling approximately 120 one-ton truck beds.

Cooperation With Cheongju’s “One Company, One River” Program

The cleanup initiative is connected to Cheongju City’s “One Company, One River” environmental campaign, a program that encourages organizations and businesses to take responsibility for maintaining specific river sections.

The goal of the program is to protect streams that are closely connected to the daily lives of residents.

Through this partnership, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheongju Branch has continued regular cleanups and monitoring activities along key urban waterways.

Visible Environmental Improvements Over Time

Some sections, particularly Wolcheon Bridge and the Gagyeongcheon area, were previously known for environmental problems.

In the past, the streams experienced:

• Accumulations of leaves and household waste

• Strong odors during the summer as organic material decomposed

• Floating plastic and Styrofoam debris after heavy rainfall

Large waste items such as abandoned farming tools and rusted metal objects were also found along the riverbanks.

In response to requests from local residents, volunteers often entered the water wearing boots to remove floating debris and expand the scope of the cleanup work.

Community Response and Growing Use of Riverside Paths

According to the Cheongju branch, residents have noticed clear improvements in the environment.

Reports of odor-related complaints have decreased, and more people are now using the riverside walking paths.

One local resident who was walking near Gagyeongcheon Stream shared:

“I used to avoid coming to this area, but now the path is clean, so I visit more often. I often see volunteers working here, even during hot weather.”

Recognition for Environmental Service

The sustained environmental efforts of the Cheongju branch have received official recognition.

The volunteer group received:

• A letter of appreciation from the Mayor of Cheongju in 2018

• A mayoral commendation in 2025

The branch plans to continue organizing 12 to 14 cleanup activities each year.

Branch Head Byun Jae-jun emphasized the importance of protecting urban waterways:

“Streams are part of the everyday environment that residents experience most closely. By continuing to return to the same places and care for them, we have worked to improve water quality and the surrounding environment. We will continue to reach even the areas that are not easily visible.”

After 14 years of consistent volunteer work, the river cleanup activities have become more than occasional events. They have developed into a regular community effort to protect Cheongju’s local environment.

Source: https://vo.la/oMnmdcN