The 22nd annual Weaja Nanumweek opened its offline pop-up space, the Weaja Eco-Village, on October 23 in Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, featuring environmental protection activities and special sales of items donated by prominent figures, [joongang.co.kr] reported.
Running through October 25, the event operates under the theme “Earth Gymnasium.” The opening ceremony drew key figures from the organizing bodies, including JoongAng Ilbo President Park Jang-hee, Westart President Kim Soo-gil, Beautiful Store Chairman Park Jin-won, GS Caltex Vice President Kim Jung-soo, and Beautiful Store Executive Director Jang Yoon-kyung. Attendees participated in a communal donation performance by dropping items into a large central collection box.
Earth Gymnasium Carbon Diet Programs
The core attraction within the Weaja Eco-Village is the Earth Gymnasium, a temporary experiential space designed to teach carbon reduction through play and physical activity. The installation translates climate action into four distinct public programs: plogging (“trash-picking jogging”), plastic basketball, recycling step-up, and a challenge game focused on plastic sorting.
These activities teach participants proper separation and recycling habits intended for daily life. The event is hosted by JoongAng Ilbo and organized by Beautiful Store and Westart, with GS Caltex participating as a sponsor for 22 years since the initiative began in 2005. GS Caltex employees have contributed more than 26,000 items to support resource circulation and aid disadvantaged neighbors.
Politicians and Celebrities Donate Items for Sale
A dedicated sharing shop displays around 100 items donated by politicians, business leaders, and sports and entertainment figures. Visitors can view selections in the showroom, while daily rotated items are sold on a first-come, first-served basis through October 25.
Political figures contributed specific items, including a baseball from Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok, a suit from People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, and a Swiss military wristwatch from Han Dong-hoon. Sports and entertainment personalities also contributed, featuring a signed football from broadcaster Ahn Jung-hwan, signed boxing gloves from actor So Ji-sub, and autographed hoodies from idol group TWS.
Online Auctions and Raffles Fund Support for Youth
Parallel to the offline pop-up, online events run from October 22 through October 28. An online auction hosted on the Seoul Auction website features fine art and donated items from business, sports, and cultural leaders. Simultaneously, an online raffle hosted on the Westart website selects winners for designated donated goods among applicants.
All proceeds from the sales, auctions, and raffles go directly toward emotional support, character education, emergency living funds, and meal support for low-income children, teenagers, and young adults preparing to leave state care. The Weaja Eco-Village is open on October 24 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on October 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.