Starting next year, Nami Island in Chuncheon will gradually replace disposable cups for beverages and ice cream with reusable cups. The initiative aims to reduce the use of over 420,000 disposable cups annually by establishing a reusable cup system across eight stores on the island.
On September 30, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced a voluntary agreement with Chuncheon City and Nammun, the management company for the stores on Nami Island, to facilitate the transition to reusable cups.
This agreement seeks to expand the distribution of reusable containers, which has primarily focused on one-time events, to a major tourist destination that operates year-round. Under the agreement, disposable cups used for beverages and ice cream on Nami Island will be phased out in favor of reusable cups starting next year.
The pilot program will begin at Seodam Cafe, one of the eight stores on the island. While reusable cups are currently used inside the store, the cafe plans to offer reusable cups for takeout orders as well.
Reusable cup return stations will be installed at key locations, such as the ferry terminal and plaza. Based on the results of the pilot program, discussions will be held with other coffee shops to expand the use of reusable cups across Nami Island.
A return system for foreign tourists will also be established, with cups marked with return instructions in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The Ministry of Climate and Chuncheon City will support the initial costs for cup production, cleaning, and the installation of return stations.
The government anticipates that this transition will lead to a reduction of over 420,000 disposable cups used annually on Nami Island. Chuncheon City plans to extend the use of reusable cups beyond Nami Island.
The Ministry of Climate will monitor the implementation of the reusable cup transition in Chuncheon and continue to provide administrative and financial support. On this day, Seodam Cafe, participating in the pilot program, will also receive a plaque recognizing it as a 'Participating Store in the Reusable Container Transition.'
Minister of Climate Kim Seong-hwan stated, "The transition to reusable containers that can be used for a long time and recycled is a key task that should be prioritized to realize a 'plastic-free circular economy.' We will work to expand cases like Nami Island nationwide."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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