Drones have been used to clean up marine debris in Jeju Island. (Yonhap)
JEJU, Nov. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – Jeju Island has successfully tested the use of drones for transporting marine waste, marking a significant step forward in eco-friendly cleanup operations.
On November 21, two drones, each capable of carrying up to 15 kilograms, were deployed in a pilot project along the Hwanguchi coast in Seogwipo City.
Over 90 minutes, the drones transported approximately 210 kilograms of collected waste—packed into 25 bags—from the coastal area to a ship docked at Hwasun Port, one kilometer away, the provincial government announced on Friday.
Drones are being used for a variety of purposes on Jeju Island, including deliveries to areas that are difficult to reach. On 11 August this year, drone delivery from the main island of Jeju Island to the Marado-Gapado area began in earnest. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Following this success, Jeju plans to use drones next month for waste removal on Marado Island. The operation will involve moving waste collected along Marado’s eastern cliffs to a docked vessel at the island’s port, covering a distance of 400 meters.
Jeju, designated as a special drone-free zone, has been at the forefront of drone innovation. Projects in the region include delivering food between Jeju’s main island and its smaller islets such as Biyangdo, Gapado, and Marado, showcasing the diverse applications of drone technology.
This initiative highlights Jeju’s commitment to sustainable practices and the potential of drones in addressing logistical challenges in remote or ecologically sensitive areas.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
