From Paper Cup Collection to Disaster Safety Reporting... Expansion of Seocho Coin Operation

District to Expand Positive Impact of Blockchain-Based 'Good Points' Seocho Coin from April
Expanding from 14 to 20 Earning Categories for Easy Daily Accumulation
Coin Rewards Now Available for Paper Cup Collection, Tumbler Use, and Disaster & Safety Prevention Activities

# High school student A, residing in Seocho-gu, has been consistently volunteering for 10 hours each month at the library. Proud of their volunteer work, A felt twice as fulfilled this month after earning 50 Seocho Coins. The joy doubled again when the accumulated coins were used to pay for paid programs at the Seocho Youth Center.

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) announced that it will expand the areas for earning and using ‘Seocho Coins,’ which promote ‘good values,’ and increase the amount of coins that can be accumulated.

This is to further spread the positive influence of Seocho Coins.

In particular, through a recent amendment to related ordinances, the existing earning areas have been expanded to include disaster and safety prevention activities, and the age limit for volunteer activities has been removed so that all Seocho-gu residents can earn Seocho Coins when volunteering.

Specifically, the earning areas have increased from the previous 14 fields, including carbon-zero shops, barter market operations, and blood donation activities, to a total of 20 fields, such as ▲participation in collecting paper packs (paper cups), ▲using tumblers at coffee shops and bakeries, ▲resident participation supervisors’ activities, ▲reporting safety hazards in daily life, and ▲autonomous disaster prevention group activities.

First, to promote resource recycling and carbon neutrality, 5 coins can be earned by participating in the collection of paper packs (paper cups). Previously, residents who brought 1 kg of paper packs (paper cups) to the local community center were compensated with toilet paper and designated waste bags, but now Seocho Coins are added to expand residents’ options and raise awareness of carbon neutrality efforts.

Another carbon neutrality practice allows residents to earn 2 coins per use when using a tumbler at coffee shops and bakeries within Seocho’s 11 major commercial districts. While large coffee chains currently offer discounts for using personal cups, support will be provided so that local small business owners can also hold discount events using Seocho Coins.

Additionally, the district has expanded earning areas to include disaster and safety prevention activities to increase diversity and carefully manage safety in daily life. Residents earn 5 coins per session for activities as resident participation supervisors overseeing construction at community facilities, 1 coin per report when reporting safety hazards via the Safe Report app, and 5 coins per session for autonomous disaster prevention group activities such as hazard facility monitoring and disaster recovery.

The places where accumulated Seocho Coins can be used have also been expanded to include community facilities that appeal to students. Including public facilities such as the Seocho and Bangbae Youth Centers and fair trade certified cafes, the total number of locations has been greatly increased to 52, enhancing the usability of Seocho Coins.

Moreover, the amount of coins awarded per activity has been doubled to further encourage residents’ good deeds. For volunteer work and talent donation, the coins have increased from 3 to 5 coins per hour, and for all other activities, the coin amounts have been doubled from previous levels.

The district plans to continue enabling the use of Seocho Coins at all public facilities and to collaborate with private businesses to continuously promote the importance of good deeds. Currently, an app overhaul is underway to improve convenience for Seocho Coin members, offering easier sign-up, location-based maps for earning and usage points, and various events for a more user-friendly experience.

Jeon Seong-su, Mayor of Seocho-gu, stated, “Through continuous upgrades of the kind Seocho Coins, we will do our best to ensure that residents feel pride and fulfillment, and that the positive influence circulates beneficially throughout the local community.”