Reusable Containers Reshape Jeju’s Food Delivery, Cutting Costs and Waste (Image courtesy of Jeju Island)
JEJU, Oct. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Jeju Province’s pilot program encouraging food delivery in reusable containers has surpassed 2,000 orders in less than two months, signaling strong public support for the island’s ambitious campaign to curb single-use plastics.
Launched on Aug. 13 in Jeju City’s Yeon-dong and Nohyeong-dong districts, the “Yonggi-inneun Jumun” (“Courageous Order”) service allows residents to opt for meals delivered in washable containers via popular platforms such as Baedal Minjok and Meokgaebi.
“Yonggi-inneun Jumun” (“Courageous Order”) carries a dual meaning in Korean: yonggi refers both to a “container” used for food — in this case, a reusable one — and to the word “courage.” The name symbolizes that consumers and participants in the campaign are taking a bold step in resisting conventional, disposable practices.
Participation has grown quickly, with 94 restaurants already enrolled — nearly double the initial target. Provincial officials now expect orders to reach 7,000 by year’s end, up from an earlier goal of 5,000.
To mark the milestone, Jeju is offering promotional discounts: 7,000 won from Oct. 7–16 and 10,000 won from Oct. 17–31. Customers also receive 2,000 won in local currency per order, while participating restaurants and delivery riders are compensated to offset costs.
Because Jeju is renowned for its pristine natural environment, the success of the island’s “Reusable Container Order” campaign to curb the harms of reckless plastic overuse carries even greater significance. The photo shows the beautiful scenery of Seopjikoji Beach in Jeju. (Yonhap)
Officials credit this layered incentive strategy with fueling adoption. For consumers, the effective cost of a 10,000 won meal can drop to as little as 3,000 won, once subsidies and discounts are applied.
For restaurants, the province covers container expenses and pays an additional stipend for each order. Delivery workers also receive per-order compensation for handling container returns.
“This is a win-win system that benefits small businesses, riders, and consumers while tackling plastic waste head-on,” said a provincial official.
Jeju’s Plastic Zero 2030 Strategy Gains Momentum With Food Delivery Breakthrough (Image courtesy of Jeju Island)
Jeju’s Plastic Zero 2030 Strategy Gains Momentum With Food Delivery Breakthrough
Jeju projects that by 2027, when the program expands across the island, 40,000 reusable containers will have replaced an estimated 120,000 single-use plastics, reducing waste by about 4,000 tons.
The initiative forms part of Jeju’s broader “Plastic Zero 2030” strategy, which has drawn international recognition.
The U.N. Environment Program recently praised the island’s efforts during a site visit, and the World Bank has highlighted Jeju’s recycling infrastructure in its global circular economy training programs.
Jeju Provincial Government Complex (exterior view) (Yonhap)
Governor Oh Young-hoon has ordered the program’s timeline accelerated by two years, citing its success and growing global visibility.
Jeju’s waste management expertise is also set to go abroad: in partnership with Jeju National University and KOICA, the island will help introduce its “Clean House” recycling system to Bontang, Indonesia, in a five-year, $9.9 million cooperation project.
“Jeju is proving that reducing waste is no longer secondary to recycling — it is the priority,” said one provincial manager, who added with confidence: “If there’s a place in the world that reduces single-use plastics better than Jeju, I’ll buy them dinner.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
