Save the Whale in the Plastic Cup! Campaign in Cheonggyecheon for Earth Day
As the Earth Day (April 22th) is coming next Monday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching a campaign to reduce plastic waste by focusing on whales, which suffer the most from plastic poulltion at the top of the marine food chain.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will hold the “Goodbye Plastic Seoul” campaign from April 19th (Friday) at Cheonggye Plaza and along the Cheonggyecheon Stream walkway. Starting on the 19th (Friday), people will be able to meet a ‘sad whale’ releasing plastic waste through smartphone augmented reality (AR) as it swims in Cheonggyecheon, and various whale sculptures will also be installed.
This campaign will feature the work by well-known environmental artist Go Sang-Woo. On the 22nd (Monday), a 5 meter-high giant ballon themed “Whale Trapped in a Plastic Cup” will be installed in front of the fountain at Cheonggye Plaza. The image of a whale trapped inside a disposable cup, with plastic waste pouring out of its belly, is intended to raise awareness about the reckless use of plastic.
Artist Go Sang-woo. known for creating and reinterpreting portraits of endangered animals into graphics, consistently delivers a message about protecting animals and the environment from human harm, inspiring public behavioral change through his work. Recently, he has been actively participating in endangered animal protection campaigns with environmentla organizations such as the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature).
Next, the plan is to utilize Augmented Reality (AR) to vividly convey the image of the ‘sad whale’ suffering from plastic. QR codes placed on guideboards installed throughout the Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge section will allow smartphone users to access the whale through a mobile web interface when scanned.
When accessing Augmented Reality (AR) and clicking on the “Blue Whale” tab, users can see a whale floating towards them in the background of Cheonggyecheon pouring out pieces of plastic garbage as it approaches.
The city is not only delivering the campaign message but also enhancing the use of Augmented Reality (AR) by providing additional features such as a “Find Your Way” function within the mobile web. Upon accessing the web, users can receive guidance on facilities around Cheonggyecheon, such as trash bins, public restrooms, entrances to walking paths, and locations of public transportation.
In addition, around 20 whale scupltures will be installed at various locations under the fountain and along the walking paths. These sculptures depict blue demonstrate blue whales with pink hearts about 40cm wide, conveying the message that animals, like humans, are precious beings with life and soul. It is expected that these sculptures will evoke empathy and participation from the citizens.
The city aims to use this campaign as an opportunity for people to reflect on the suffering experienced by not only whales but also other wildlife, fostering a sense of urgency and the necessity of environmental protection. They hope to create empathy and awareness, particularly encouraging voluntary efforts to reduce plastic consumption and initiate behaviroral changes.
It’s a critical moment to reduce plastic consumption as it’s been reported that many whales ingest up to 10 million pieces of microplastics (approximately 45kg) daily. We’ve seen weakened whaels washing up on beaches
Also, from April 19th (Friday) to April 28th (Sunday), there will be an event where participants can post photos or videos of the blue whale in Cheonggyecheon or themselves using reusable containers in their daily lives on their personal social networking services (SNS). By doing so, they will be entered into a draw to win prizes. For more details, please refer to the campaign’s Instagram (@goodbye_plastic_seoul).
Choi In-gyu, the Desing Policy Officer of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, “This year, for Earth Day, we have prepared an augmented reality (AR) campaign that allows participants to vividly see and feel the suffering of whales caused by plastic, rather than just hosting event-based activities.” He added, “Through this campaign, we hope to see more citizens joining efforts to reduce single-use plastic in tehir daily lives.”
▲QR Code ▲AR Blue Wahle ▲AR "Find Your Way"
