Gwangyang-eup, Gwangyang-si, 'Judamjudam Plogging Team' Launch Ceremony

Protect the Environment While Exercising and Earn Volunteer Hours: Triple Benefits in One

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] The Resident Committee of the Rural Central Area Revitalization Project in Gwangyang-eup, Gwangyang City, Jeollanam-do, formed the 'Judamjudam Plogging Team' with the residents of the eup and held an inauguration ceremony by the Seocheon Riverside on the 12th.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by about 80 people, including Heo Hyeong-chae, chairman of the Gwangyang-eup Rural Central Area Revitalization Project Resident Committee, Choi Eun-mi, leader of the Judamjudam Plogging Team, Jeong Eun-tae, head of Gwangyang-eup, and family-unit citizens.

'Judamjudam' is a pure Korean term for 'plogging,' which means lightly picking up trash while taking a walk or exercising. 'Plogging' is a compound word of the Swedish word 'plocka upp,' meaning 'to pick up,' and the English word 'jogging,' meaning 'running.'

The inauguration ceremony was divided into two parts: Part 1 consisted of reading the declaration, congratulatory speeches, and introduction of the plogging team; Part 2 included warm-up exercises, plogging activities around Seocheon Sports Park and the inline skating rink, and a prize event. Participants receive recognition for their '1365 Volunteer Service' hours.

Chairman Heo Hyeong-chae said, "Trash discarded along roadsides and rivers near homes becomes marine debris and microplastics, which end up on our dining tables." He added, "I hope the plogging movement will encourage voluntary citizen participation and spread as a city-wide movement, protecting health while practicing environmental conservation."

Team leader Choi Eun-mi stated, "As outdoor activities decreased due to COVID-19, Judamjudam has become a good motivation for citizens whose physical activity, such as walking, has reduced." She also noted, "Even citizens seeking certification for volunteer hours are participating in plogging, receiving a positive response."

Jeong Eun-tae, head of Gwangyang-eup, said, "I appreciate the local organizations taking the lead in carrying out plogging activities." He added, "We will actively support Gwangyang-eup to continuously discover sincere eco-friendly activities and ensure they are sustained rather than one-time events."