Guro-gu Launches 'Writing Love Letters to Parents in Hometown' Campaign

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] “The road to visit ancestral graves was a golden field. I recall the time when the moonlight shimmered over the silver reed fields. The path where cosmos flowers danced lightly in the sky flickers like a revolving lantern. The day when families chatted warmly passes by. Father, Mother, I am sorry this Chuseok” (Poem by Resident A)

“The thought of not being able to go makes me miss you even more. Thinking of my parents who have been lonely all year round, and how much lonelier they must feel during the holidays breaks my heart. Once this wicked COVID-19 settles down, I will visit you immediately. Every day, words spoken only in my heart, words I was too shy to say aloud, I send them through this letter. Father, Mother, I love you” (District Office Employee B)

“Why does my proud father’s shoulder look so small? I’m sorry I couldn’t approach you warmly. I pray for the day I can visit and hug you soon” (Guro-gu Office Worker C)

These are excerpts from letters submitted by participants in Guro-gu’s handwritten letter contest.

Guro-gu (District Mayor Lee Sung) is launching a ‘Write a Love Letter to Parents in Your Hometown’ campaign ahead of Chuseok, which is being faced under the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19.

On the 22nd, Guro-gu announced, “This year, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community, we ask residents to refrain from visiting their hometowns. To comfort the residents’ feelings of regret and provide an opportunity to send loving greetings to parents in their hometowns, we are conducting a love letter writing campaign.”

Guro-gu is also holding a ‘Love Letter’ contest to encourage active participation from residents.

The contest period is until October 11.

Participants can write handwritten letters expressing their regrets about not being able to visit their hometowns due to COVID-19, greetings to their parents, memories of their parents and hometown, and submit them through the application board on the district’s website.

Residents or workers located in Guro-gu who wish to participate can submit their letters in any convenient format such as a Hangul file, scanned file, or a photo of the handwritten letter.

Guro-gu will form a selection committee to choose 16 outstanding letters and announce the results on October 16. The selected letters will be posted on the district newsletter and blog.

Including the 16 outstanding letters, a total of 106 letters will be selected, and participants will receive cultural gift certificates, coffee coupons, and other prizes.

A Guro-gu official said, “Due to COVID-19, there have been unfortunate situations where people cannot visit their hometowns or see their parents. We hope many residents will participate in this campaign to soothe their regrets and convey their love through handwritten letters.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.