Seoul Metropolitan Government Implements Ban on Plastic Containers in Hangang Park
By Reporter Song Jeong-hoon
Seoul, South Korea – With the increase in the popularity of delivery food services, there has been a simultaneous surge in the use of plastic disposable containers. In light of this alarming trend, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has recently taken measures to ban the utilization of plastic containers and packaging for food delivered to Hangang Park, starting from last year.
The decision comes in response to the growing concern over plastic waste and its impact on the environment, particularly following the rise of COVID-19. The designated areas around Jamsu Bridge will be declared as “Plastic Excluded Zones” next month, followed by Hangang Banpo and Ttukseom Parks next year, and eventually encompassing the entirety of Hangang Park.
To facilitate this initiative, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to collaborate with nearby restaurants, encouraging them to adopt the use of multi-use containers for food delivered to Hangang Park. Additionally, coffee shops will begin charging a 300 won deposit for disposable cups starting next year, while providing a 300 won discount for those who order drinks in individual cups.
By implementing these measures, Seoul aims to reduce its daily plastic waste production by 10% by the year 2026. In order to achieve this goal, the city also plans to enhance the plastic waste collection infrastructure, with the aim of increasing the plastic waste recycling rate from 69% to 79%.
The reactions from the public regarding this ban are varied. While some applaud the efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment, others express concerns about the potential loss of cherished memories associated with sharing food with friends in Hangang Park.
As the Seoul Metropolitan Government takes a bold step towards combating the issue of single-use plastic waste, its efforts serve as a testament to the city’s commitment to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly environment for its residents and visitors alike.
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Nowadays, as you can easily order and eat delivery food anytime, anywhere, the use of plastic disposable containers is increasing rapidly.
So the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to ban plastic containers and packaging for food delivered to Hangang Park from my last years.
Reporter Song Jeong-hoon will tell you.
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This afternoon, Hangang Banpo Park in Seoul.
Citizens who came out to enjoy leisure time on the lawn.
Food delivery is located nearby.
[윤경철]
“Ever since I was young, my friends and I brought a mat and ordered food for delivery.”
Food and drinks are delivered in mostly plastic containers.
However, from 2025, it is expected that plastic containers will be difficult to find in Hangang Park.
This is because, in order to reduce plastic waste exploding after COVID-19, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to designate the area around Jamsu Bridge next month, Hangang Banpo and Ttukseom Parks next year, and the entire Hangang Park the next year as “Plastic Excluded Zones Containers.”
To this end, we intend to encourage nearby restaurants to use multi-use containers for food brought to Hangang Park.
[이인근/서울시 기후환경본부장]
“Now is the time to take on a second, very bold challenge to reduce the amount of single-use plastic that has been slowed by COVID-19.”
In addition, coffee shops will charge a 300 won deposit for disposable cups from next year, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government will give a 300 discount if you order a drink in an individual cup.
Through this, the city of Seoul predicted that the amount of plastic produced every day would decrease by 10% by 2026.
The reactions are mixed.
[김영아]
“Nowadays, even in restaurants, the purpose is to change straw to paper and (they say) reduce waste. I think you did well.”
[박규리]
“I think it would be necessary given the environment, but I think it will be regrettable that memories with friends could disappear.”
The Seoul Metropolitan Government also plans to increase the plastic waste recycling rate from 69% to 79% by increasing the plastic waste collection infrastructure.
This is MBC News Song Jeong-hoon.
Video commentary: Nam Hyeon-taek / Video editing: Lee Sang-min
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