The Korea National Park Service (KNPS, President Joo Dae-yeong), under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE), announced that it will expand the “Residents’ Voluntary Marine Litter Collection Program” to 94 areas across 22 islands (15 inhabited and 7 uninhabited) within Dadohaehaesang National Park and Hallyeohaesang National Park.

Generally, during the summer, large amounts of marine debris flow into rivers and coastal areas due to the effects of torrential rains and typhoons. In particular, marine debris easily accumulates in island areas of marine national parks due to geographical features such as pocket beaches and bays, but prompt collection is difficult because access for equipment and personnel is challenging. 

Accordingly, the KNPS plans to proactively address marine litter management during the summer by expanding the Residents’ Voluntary Marine Litter Collection Program, which involves local residents in collecting marine litter. 

The program operates by having local residents participate in marine litter collection activities, with the KNPS providing activity allowances and the relevant local governments providing disposal equipment, such as transport vessels.

Since launching the program in 2022 across eight islands, the KNPS has continuously expanded it, and this year the program will be implemented across 22 islands, including Geumodo Island and Sojangdo Island in Dadohaehaesang National Park. Over the past four years, a total of 1,760 tons of marine litter has been collected, while the number of participating residents has increased significantly from 718 in the first year to 3,538 in 2025.

In particular, this year, with 10 fishing village cooperatives on Geumodo Island newly joining the program, the marine litter management system based on local resident participation has been further strengthened.

Meanwhile, the KNPS plans to operate an intensive management system in preparation for the increase in marine litter during the summer. It will conduct joint collection efforts with local governments and relevant agencies and deploy collection personnel to major beaches where visitors are concentrated, shortening the collection cycle to within five days to minimize inconvenience to visitors and local residents through a swift response.

KNPS President Joo Dae-yeong stated, “Through the Residents’ Voluntary Marine Litter Collection Program carried out together with local residents, we will swiftly collect marine litter and do our utmost to ensure that all citizens can experience the clean marine environment of our national parks.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com