To mark Earth Day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the city’s Green Citizen Committee are hosting a commemorative event at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday.Earth Day, an annual event on April 22, serves as a platform to showcase support for environmental protection. Initially established on April 22, 1970, it has since expanded to encompass a multitude of activities engaging over 1 billion people across 192 countries. This year’s global theme is “Planet versus Plastics.”From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of the event, students from 23 universities, various organizations and companies will hold various programs. The event will feature exhibitions, quizzes and hands-on experiences under the theme of “how to live without plastic,” inviting citizens to engage actively. Moreover, nine themed booths will each offer unique programs. These include an exhibition on microplastics’ impact on health, crafting card wallets from milk packs and even creating edible plantings.Street performances are slated for noon and 3 p.m., featuring the band Osio, renowned for its fusion of hand fans and cellos. A magic performance by High Magic Entertainment will also take place during the performances.

The main attraction of the event is a symbolic match between “Earth” and “Plastic,” which starts at 2 p.m. Representatives embodying the Earth and Plastic will campaign for support in front of the audience.Following the match, there will be a performance where Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and eight electoral college members representing citizens will listen to the campaigns and cast their votes.Simultaneously, an online event titled Plastic Escape Challenge will run from Saturday to April 22. Participants can join by sharing photos depicting a plastic-free lifestyle on the city’s environmental education portal. According to the city government, a 10,000 won ($7.39) mobile gift voucher will be given to 100 selected individuals through a lottery.Additionally, short videos produced by university students advocating for reduced plastic usage will be released on the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Climate and Environment Headquarters’ YouTube channel, Zero Seoul, during the same period.”We hope that families and friends coming to Gwanghwamun Square will experience a meaningful day reflecting on the significance of Earth,” said Yeo Jang-kwon, head of the Climate and Environment Headquarters at the city 토토사이트 government.