Myeongdong shops turn trash disposal into unexpected act of hospitality for tourists

Tourists strolling through bustling Myeongdong can now indulge in street food and drinks without the hassle of disposing of their trash, courtesy of an innovative initiative that transforms local vendors into waste collectors. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization have launched a promotional campaign, "Clean Myeongdong," which encourages visitors to hand over empty drink cups and food packaging to participating street vendors. These vendors will meticulously dispose of the waste on behalf of the tourists.

A total of 346 street stalls in Myeongdong are participating in the campaign, which aims to enhance tourist convenience while maintaining the cleanliness of one of Seoul's most vibrant shopping districts. The idea for the initiative emerged from repeated complaints from visitors who found it difficult to locate trash bins after purchasing food and beverages from street stalls. The Seoul Namdaemun Police Station made the initial request, and local vendors enthusiastically responded by volunteering to join the effort.

To facilitate identification for international visitors, organizers have distributed multilingual signs to all 346 participating stalls. These signs prominently display clear messages urging tourists to deposit their trash directly at the vendor's location. By turning waste disposal into an act of hospitality, the "Clean Myeongdong" campaign not only improves the tourist experience but also contributes to keeping Myeongdong clean and well-maintained.