The Story of Seongbuk-gu Residents Sharing Kimchi at Church...

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] A special kimchi-making volunteer collaboration between Seongbuk-gu residents and a local church is gaining attention.

Hanmaeum Volunteer Society (President Ji-ye Lee), composed of Seongbuk-gu residents, is an organization that has been consistently engaged in volunteer activities for low-income and marginalized neighbors, such as sharing kimchi and holiday rice cake baskets.

This year as well, they continue various acts of love for their neighbors. However, it was difficult to find a suitable space to carry out volunteer work while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

The one who extended a helping hand was Seongil Church (Senior Pastor Young-bae Lee) located in Dongsomun-dong. The church provided its space as the site for the kimchi-making volunteer work.

On the 5th, about 20 members of the Hanmaeum Volunteer Society gathered at Seongil Church to share kimchi with 200 low-income and elderly single-person households. Volunteers wore masks and followed quarantine rules more meticulously than ever while making kimchi.

One volunteer said, “Due to COVID-19, it has been difficult to carry out volunteer activities in many ways, and it is hard for many members to gather and practice neighborly love while following quarantine rules, but Seongil Church’s active provision of space has given us great strength.”

Another volunteer said, “We were worried about the sudden chilly weather, but thanks to Seongil Church’s help, we were able to do the kimchi-making volunteer work without feeling cold. Thinking of the elderly and neighbors who will receive the kimchi we made and get through the cold winter warmly, as well as the church that eased our difficulties, naturally lifts our spirits.”

On this day, Seung-ro Lee, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, who joined the kimchi-making volunteer work with the Hanmaeum Volunteer Society, said, “Today’s consideration by the volunteer group and Seongil Church will be a warm and strong support for low-income residents facing a harsher winter than anyone else due to COVID-19,” and added, “We will do our best to create a Seongbuk where the resources among Seongbuk-gu members are connected more closely and the neighborly love of volunteers is carried out more effectively.”

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