Gwangjin-gu hosts 2026 Zero Fun Festa to cut waste and boost recycling

Gwangjin-gu in Seoul will host the "2026 Gwangjin Zero Fun Festa" at Gwangjin Plaza on Saturday, bringing residents together to reduce waste and promote resource recycling.

The name "Zero Fun" captures the event's dual mission: cutting waste while making resource recycling an enjoyable habit, and adding new value to discarded materials. The "FUN" acronym stands for Future, Upcycle and No Waste — a vision for building a livable, thriving Gwangjin through sustainable practices.

The festival will feature a range of programs, including a sharing market, a reusable-container food zone, hands-on activity spaces and performances. An afternoon declaration ceremony will mark residents' commitment to resource recycling. The lineup is designed to help residents naturally experience and embrace the importance of recycling in their daily lives.

At the declaration ceremony, residents will pledge to reduce waste and practice resource recycling. The event will particularly promote the "1.1.30" campaign — a drive to cut each person's daily waste by 30 grams — underscoring the importance of small, everyday actions.

The sharing market will give residents a place to buy, sell, give away or donate secondhand goods, encouraging reuse and spreading the value of resource recycling.

The reusable-container food zone will let visitors enjoy food served in reusable containers instead of disposables. A lending and return service will be available, and anyone who brings their own reusable container can get free popcorn under a "Bring a container, get popcorn free" promotion.

Activity spaces will offer hands-on programs that give discarded materials new life — including coffee-grounds crafts and upcycled glasswork. Visitors can also learn about environmental protection and waste reduction through a paper Jenga game and a quiz. Street performances and a bubble magic show will round out the festival atmosphere.

A promotional area will guide residents on proper recycling and everyday waste-reduction tips. Staff will also demonstrate how to cut food waste using a compact home-reduction device, giving residents a firsthand look at practical waste-management methods.

"Reducing waste starts with small everyday actions — using reusable containers, sharing goods and recycling resources," Gwangjin-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said. "Through this event, we hope to spread awareness that these practices are the starting point for cutting waste, and to build a sustainable recycling culture together with our residents so that Gwangjin becomes an even more livable district."