Lim Sunghwa, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, Proposes 'Citizen Participation Sharing Market'

Requests for an Offline Danggeun Market and More

Im Seonghwa, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council (Gwangcheon-dong, Yudeok-dong, Chipyeong-dong, Sangmu 1-dong, Dongcheon-dong), announced on the 28th that during the 329th temporary session's second plenary meeting on the 26th, she actively proposed holding a 'Gwangju Seo-gu-style Citizen Sharing Market' through a five-minute free speech.

Seonghwa Lim, a member of the Seo District Council, is delivering a 5-minute free speech at the 2nd plenary session of the temporary meeting regarding the holding of a citizen sharing market. Photo by Seonghwa Lim, Seo District Council member

Councilor Im mentioned that the 'Treasure Island Recycling Market,' which had been meaningfully promoted by religious communities and citizens at Mugaksa Temple in Seo-gu in 2009, was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She requested a review of holding and regularizing sharing markets, such as an 'offline Danggeun Market in Gwangju Seo-gu.'

Councilor Im stated, "The fashion industry accounts for 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions," and added, "To achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, it is essential to hold sharing markets where items such as clothing, toys, and books can be exchanged and traded, even if they are no longer needed by the owner. This will prevent resource waste and spread a culture of sharing, making it a necessary policy."

She continued, "Gwangju Seo-gu should regularly hold a representative sharing market like the second Treasure Island Market," and emphasized, "It is important to recognize the significance of recycling markets for leading the way in carbon neutrality, revitalizing resource recycling, promoting sustainable consumption culture, and spreading the value of environmental protection and sharing."

Additionally, she said, "Recently, when holding markets, it has become important to consider suppressing single-use products such as mats and encouraging participation from various family groups including children and foreigners for sustainable resource circulation." She added, "I will continue to ensure that the 'citizen participation sharing market' becomes an opportunity to revitalize the Seo-gu community by encouraging voluntary participation, communication and interaction among neighbors, and social solidarity."