ASEZ and ASEZ WAO Members From the Gyeonggi Southeast Region Clean the Area Around the Namhan River in Yeoju
Creating a Sustainable Ecosystem Together
On April 19, about 200 members of ASEZ, the World Mission Society Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, and ASEZ WAO, the World Mission Society Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, from the Gyeonggi Southeast Region carried out a cleanup around the Namhan River in Yeoju. Originating in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, the Namhan River flows through Korea’s central inland region and plays an important role in the Han River watershed, which empties into the Yellow Sea. The river also forms a complex ecosystem where riverside wetlands, sandbars, and tributaries coexist. University students and young working adults joined forces to collect plastic waste, protecting the Namhan River ecosystem, contributing to carbon neutrality, and raising environmental awareness among citizens.
During the opening ceremony, Lee Gwang-gyu, Head of the Gwangju Branch of ASEZ WAO in Gyeonggi Province, explained the purpose of the activity, saying, “This event goes beyond environmental cleanup. It was organized to prevent plastic waste generated inland from flowing through rivers and eventually entering the ocean.” He added, “The sight of university students and young professionals working together with one heart will have a positive influence on the local community.”
At around 10:30 a.m., the participants divided into five teams and began cleaning riversides, parks, urban areas, and commercial districts near the Namhan River. Despite near-summer temperatures approaching 29°C (84°F), they worked with bright smiles, carefully collecting trash lodged between rocks and discarded plastic waste left in drainage systems. Through their united efforts, they gathered 1.2 metric tons of waste, including plastic.
ASEZ members also held a panel exhibition to raise awareness of the seriousness of plastic pollution and the importance of carbon neutrality. After viewing the exhibition, Adeel Muhammad from Pakistan said, “Protecting the environment is something everyone should do, and I’m glad there is an organization like this that helps raise awareness of its importance.”
After completing the activity, the members expressed a sense of fulfillment. Park Esther from Yongin, an ASEZ WAO member working in the international distribution industry, said, “Because of my work, I often see waste being discarded carelessly, and it constantly reminds me of the need to improve environmental awareness. I will continue making efforts in my workplace and society so that more people become aware of the climate crisis.” Han Jae-eun from Dankook University, an ASEZ member, said, “Meeting ASEZ WAO members and hearing about the wide range of activities carried out by working professionals broadened my perspective.” Yeoju Mayor Lee Chung-woo, who visited the site, expressed his appreciation, saying, “The Namhan River is a valuable tourist attraction, and the city of Yeoju places great importance on it. Thank you for collecting plastic waste and other litter, helping keep the surrounding environment clean and supporting sustainable tourism.”
The activity was conducted as part of ASEZ’s Global Blue Carbon Ecosystem Protection Initiative 2026, which began on April 12, and ASEZ WAO’s ongoing global Green Earth, a Terrestrial Ecosystem Protection Project. The members plan to continue making meaningful efforts in their respective fields toward the shared goal of a sustainable future.
