Local officials say nearly all of the unsightly devil weed that had washed up on local shores has been removed. Just in time, too ? as we heard earlier in today’s broadcast, beach season has begun. Joseph Kim reports.



Report

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Sinheung-ri, Jocheon-eup

Here are the coastal waters in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City.

While women divers work near the shore, soldiers are collecting ‘devil weed’.

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Soldiers help get rid of ‘devil weed’

A group of soldiers visiting Jeju for training joined the effort to remove the unsightly seaweed from island shores.

INTERVIEW
Jo Myeong-jae / Soldier
It’s tough work, but we know the seaweed is a bring problem for local residents. We’ll finish the removal as soon as possible.
[인터뷰 조명재 / 7공수특전여단 장병]
"몸으로는 상당히 힘든데 저희가 힘든 것보다 주민들이 겪는 심적 고통이 크다는 것을 알기에 힘내서 작전을 빨리 마무리할 수 있도록 하겠습니다. "

The plant gives off a stinky smell when rotten, which attracts clouds of flies.

But, due to the cleaning effort, local waters are starting to return to normal.

INTERVIEW
Kim Gap-seon / Diver, Sinheung-ri
I do appreciate the help from the military. The devil weed would rot and pollute the waters if it wasn’t removed.
[인터뷰 김갑선 / 해녀 (조천읍 신흥리) ]
"군인들이 와서 해주니까 뭐라고 말할 수 없을 만큼 고맙습니다. 그렇지 않으면 이거 다 썩어서 바다 오염이 되거든요."

Removal work of devil seaweed has almost come to an end. Now, the island can welcome summer vacationers.

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5,000 involved in removal work, 4,100 tons collected

According to the province, about 4,200 tons of the plant have approached local waters since the end of May.

More than 5,000 public servants, volunteers, soldiers and members of civil societies have participated in the removal effort and collected 4,100 tons of the devil weed from island shores.

The floating plant spoils the ocean scenery and disturbs fishing. This year, it was even blamed for one casualty.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Kim Yong-min

Nonstop cleaning efforts seven days a week have achieved a good result and area residents preparing to welcome summer vacationers are now feeling a sense of relief.

Joseph Kim, KCTV