Increase in Both Visitors and Trash Compared to 2019
Seoul City: "Usually 7 Times Higher but Easier to Manage"
On the morning of the 9th, the day after the Seoul World Fireworks Festival, trash left by spectators the previous day is gathered at the garbage collection site under Wonhyo Bridge in Seoul.Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] More than 1.05 million people gathered for the Seoul World Fireworks Festival held for the first time in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a 'garbage crisis' did not occur.
According to Seoul City, the amount of garbage collected at Yeouido and Ichon Hangang Parks on the day after the fireworks festival, the 9th, was recorded at 50 tons. At the same festival held in 2019, 45 tons were collected, showing an approximately 11% increase in garbage volume.
The number of spectators also increased compared to the previous event. Hanwha, the organizer of the fireworks festival, estimated that about 1.05 million people watched the festival at the Yeouido event site and nearby areas, which is about 50,000 more than the 1 million in 2019.
Every year, behind the beautiful fireworks festival, there has been an unsightly scene of a 'garbage crisis' that caused frowns, but fortunately, this year the feared incident did not occur. Most spectators, after the festival that lasted about an hour ended, were seen putting garbage into trash bags distributed on-site and plastic bags they brought themselves. However, some spectators still showed disgraceful behavior by carelessly discarding garbage and used masks before leaving.
Meanwhile, about 2,000 Hanwha employees and volunteers started cleaning up the Hangang Park after most citizens had left, picking up garbage until around midnight.
A representative from the Hangang Project Headquarters of Seoul City said, "The amount of garbage generated was about seven times the usual level, but it was less than expected," and added, "Not only the amount but also the fact that the garbage was gathered where it should be made it easier to handle." A Hanwha official also said, "Citizens made efforts, and Hanwha formed a volunteer group with employees, so the cleanup was well evaluated."
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