Recycling 20 Tons Annually
Transforming Leaves into Tourism Resources and Reducing Costs
Songpa District in Seoul (headed by Mayor Seo Kangseok) announced on November 9 that it will send approximately 20 tons of ginkgo leaves to Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province on November 13 to create the 'Songpa Ginkgo Tree Road.'
The connection between Songpa District and Nami Island dates back to the fall of 2006. At that time, the district was struggling with how to dispose of hundreds of tons of ginkgo leaves and began seeking recycling solutions instead of simply incinerating them. Nami Island then proposed, "Since the ginkgo leaves on Nami Island fall earlier than those in Songpa, please send us the ginkgo leaves from Songpa." This suggestion marked the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership between the two parties.
Thanks to the ginkgo leaves received from Songpa District, Nami Island has been able to maintain its yellow scenery even in late autumn, while Songpa District has reduced its disposal costs. The district actively embraced this proposal, collecting and sorting ginkgo leaves every year to send to Nami Island, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the initiative.
Since 2006, Songpa District has provided a total of about 400 tons of ginkgo leaves to Nami Island, sending 20 tons annually. From mid-October, the district collects and selects ginkgo leaves from along the streets, which are then spread along a 100-meter stretch in the center of Nami Island to complete the 'Songpa Ginkgo Tree Road.'
The average number of visitors to Nami Island in November is about 9,000 per day, and during the two weeks when the ginkgo tree road is created, approximately 126,000 people walk along this path. Over the past 20 years, it is estimated that 2.52 million domestic and international tourists have visited the Songpa Ginkgo Tree Road.
Last year, a tourist who visited Nami Island remarked, "It is quite unique that the ginkgo tree road in Gangwon Province, where the leaves fall early, is created using ginkgo leaves brought from the distant Songpa District. Walking on the yellow carpet feels truly wonderful."
Songpa District's leaf recycling efforts are not limited to Nami Island. Each year, the district provides about 650 tons of fallen leaves free of charge to around ten farms in the metropolitan area, including Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. These farms use the leaves as insulation for special crops or as eco-friendly compost to prepare for the cold weather.
Through this approach, the district has significantly reduced its leaf disposal costs. This year, Songpa District expects to recycle about 670 tons of leaves, which is approximately 98% of the anticipated total, thereby saving 100 million won in incineration costs.
Seo Kangseok, Mayor of Songpa District, stated, "Over the past 20 years, Songpa District has not only reduced costs by recycling ginkgo leaves in various ways, but has also created a successful model for mutual benefit by enhancing the enjoyment of tourists and reducing operating costs for farms. We will continue to develop resource recycling projects inspired by everyday ideas and pursue creative administration that considers future generations."
Environmental officers of Songpa District are collecting ginkgo leaves to send to Nami Island. Provided by Songpa District.
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