How Shincheonji Volunteers Improved Storm Drains in Flood-Prone Beomil-dong

This story was shared by a resident of Dong-gu, Busan.

 

Every summer during the monsoon season, the shopping streets of Beomil-dong in Busan are put on high alert.

Even brief heavy rainfall often caused water to back up from the drains, leaving shop owners worried that floodwater might enter their stores.

For local residents, the monsoon season was not romantic—it was a matter of survival.

 

On Saturday, May 30, while I was taking a walk, I came across an unexpected sight on one of the neighborhood's most flood-prone streets.

Around 40 volunteers wearing yellow safety vests were carefully opening and cleaning storm drains throughout the area.

They were members of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group's Busan East Branch.

Normally I would have walked past, but seeing them working under the blazing sun on a weekend made me stop and watch.

The Hidden Reality Beneath City Manholes

 

Watching the volunteers up close, I was impressed by how organized their work was.

This was far more than simple street cleaning; they used professional equipment to lift manhole covers and carefully remove mud, fallen leaves, and unidentified debris from deep inside the drainage system.

 

I later learned that they covered nearly four kilometers of the area and collected as much as 150 liters of waste.

Seeing how blocked the drainage system was made me realize that the flooding was not caused by heavy rain alone, leaving me with a complicated feeling.

Despite the foul smell and unpleasant conditions, the volunteers quietly continued scooping out the dirt.

One shop owner watching nearby said, “Every time heavy rain is forecast, we start worrying. But seeing people take care of these drains even on a weekend makes me feel much more relieved.” Hearing this, I felt both grateful and reassured as a local resident.

Considering that public maintenance cannot always reach every corner of the neighborhood, these kinds of volunteer efforts provide meaningful, practical support to local residents.

 

How Cigarette Butts Can Be the Start of an Environmental Problem

 

On one side of the maintenance site, an environmental docent-style campaign organized by the Shincheonji Volunteer Group was taking place.

By chance, I listened to the explanation and was surprised to learn that cigarette filters, which we casually throw away, are actually made of plastic.

The explanation that these butts enter storm drains, eventually break down into microplastics, and pollute the ocean—affecting even what ends up on our tables—was quite convincing.

 

Rather than a simple “don’t litter” message, the campaign clearly explained why storm drains should not be blocked, helping citizens gradually pay closer attention.

It became an unexpected environmental learning experience during a weekend outing.

 

Using visual materials, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group explained the link between urban flooding and environmental pollution, drawing strong public engagement.

In particular, families with children were seen nodding as they listened, showing that the campaign had a strong educational impact.

Sharing the Value of Resource Recycling

 

What stood out most at the site was how the activity concluded.

It was impressive to see volunteers sharing the value of resource recycling by handing out whale-shaped toothpaste squeezers made from recycled plastic bottle caps.

They also shared 120 cups of iced coffee with residents, chatting and smiling in a way that felt like any ordinary neighborhood volunteer event.

In fact, people may have different perspectives on the Shincheonji Volunteer Group.

I also had some vague preconceptions before witnessing this event.

But what I witnessed that day was simply neighbors willingly taking on difficult work for the safety of their community.

 

Watching the volunteers quietly do their work made me reflect again on the true meaning of volunteer service.

Perhaps what matters most in volunteering is not who receives the help, but the positive change it brings to the community.

Ultimately, it is undeniable that Beomil-dong has become cleaner and slightly less vulnerable during the rainy season.

 

Will This Summer Bring a Little Less Worry?

 

Watching this maintenance activity, I hope the efforts of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Busan East Branch to address vulnerable areas in the community will not go to waste.

Their careful work in places that are often difficult to reach is certainly worthy of recognition as members of the local community.

Hearing residents say, “Now that the drains have been properly cleaned, we probably won’t have to worry about flooding this year,” I could feel how even small but practical changes can shift the atmosphere of a neighborhood.

That is why this year’s long and unusually hot rainy season feels a little less intimidating.

Under the slogan “Let’s Keep Nature Green,” the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has carried out various activities such as wildfire prevention and environmental cleanups, and these small efforts may be helping to make our neighborhood a better place to live.

 

Walking through the streets of Beomil-dong and seeing the cleaned storm drains left me with a refreshed 마음 and sense of relief.

I think I will remember this volunteer activity as a meaningful weekend that helped protect our neighborhood from flooding.

I hope this Shincheonji Volunteer Group activity will not remain a one-time effort, but continue to bring positive influence to communities in the future.