This article highlights a grassroots plastic-free movement that has emerged in Mangwon Market, a traditional market in Mangwon-dong, western Seoul. The movement was spearheaded by Lee Bok-soo, the 71-year-old owner of Namkyung Banchan, who has been urging customers to use reusable containers since 2018. Lee's efforts have now spread to 87 shops in the market. The movement is an example of how individuals and communities can drive change at a grassroots level, even in the absence of top-down government initiatives.