Why Did Haenyeo and Divers Dive In? Busan Port Authority Conducts Underwater Cleanup at Bukhang Waterside Park

"Haenyeowa Bada" Makes First Underwater Entry in the Scenic Waterway
Two-Person Teams Conduct Operation to Collect Discarded Ropes and Plastics

Busan Port Authority (BPA, President Song Sanggeun) announced on August 4 that it had carried out an environmental cleanup activity on August 2 in collaboration with the local nonprofit organization "Haenyeowa Bada" at the scenic waterway in Bukhang Waterside Park in Busan.

Since its opening in November 2023, Bukhang Waterside Park has hosted various events, resulting in a continuous accumulation of floating waste in the scenic waterway area. In addition, marine debris drifting in from the open sea has increased the importance of water quality management.

BPA has regularly collected floating waste in the scenic waterway area from land, but this was the first time that personnel were directly deployed to collect submerged waste from underwater.

The cleanup activity was conducted jointly with the Busan-based diving club "Haenyeowa Bada." Participants collected various types of marine waste, including discarded ropes, plastics, and cans. The activity operated in teams of two to ensure safety during underwater work, and items to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as neckbands, were provided to volunteers to ensure safety in the hot weather.

"Haenyeowa Bada" is a nonprofit organization composed of haenyeo (female divers) and office workers active in Busan, and it conducts regular underwater waste collection activities twice a month.

BPA President Song Sanggeun stated, "It was a very meaningful time to purify the waterside space together with the local community," and emphasized, "We will continue to make efforts to create a pleasant and clean scenic waterway."

Participants in underwater cleanup activities.

Participants engaged in underwater environmental cleanup activities.