Gyeongbuk Province Holds ‘Saemaeul Women Volunteer Award’ Ceremony... Saemaeul Women of Gyeongbuk Overcoming Adversity with Volunteer Spirit

Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gui-yeol] On the 21st, Gyeongbuk Province held the 19th Saemaeul Women Volunteer Award ceremony at the Dongnak Hall of the provincial government office.

On this day, about 800 people attended, including Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Council Do Ki-wook, Superintendent of Education Lim Jong-sik, Executive Director of the Saemaeul Foundation Jo Seong-hee, Head of Nonghyup Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarters Geum Dong-myeong, Saemaeul Association Chairman Lee Jong-pyeong, Saemaeul Women’s Association Chair Kim Ok-soon, Saemaeul chairpersons of provinces, cities, and counties, and members of the Saemaeul Women’s Association.

Now in its 19th year, the Saemaeul Women Volunteer Award recognizes outstanding contributors among Saemaeul families in the province who embody character and virtue, serve with the Saemaeul spirit, lead the practice of life, peace, and community movements, and contribute significantly to the development of local communities.

On this day, a total of 72 people received awards: 26 Saemaeul Women Volunteer Awards, 5 Excellent Saemaeul Women’s Association Chair Awards, 18 Model Women’s Association Chair Awards, and 23 Support Awards.

The highest honor, the Saemaeul Women Volunteer Award Grand Prize, was awarded to Shin Ok-soon (57 years old, Chair of the Yeongdeok Jipum Saemaeul Women’s Association).

Shin Ok-soon began her married life living with her mother-in-law and young younger brother-in-law, dedicating herself to filial piety by caring for her mother-in-law during a long illness until she passed away at the age of 93, living a life devoted to her family.

Her life became more vibrant after joining the Saemaeul Women’s Association upon a friend’s recommendation.

She found fulfillment through volunteer work, gradually overcoming depression and actively engaging in village affairs.

Observing her dedication, members recommended her, and she was elected Chair of the Jipum-myeon Women’s Association in Yeongdeok. When a large typhoon caused flooding in many households in Yeongdeok in 2019, she took the lead in volunteer activities.

From 2020, she also actively participated in village quarantine activities such as COVID-19 prevention and mask distribution.

In recognition of her contributions to community service and the revitalization of the Saemaeul Movement, she was honored with the grand prize this time.

In addition, Eun Jeong-i (Uiseong) received the Diligent Service Award, Choi Hyun-sook (Yecheon) the Self-help Service Award, Park Young-sook (Gumi) the Cooperative Service Award, and Satto Shigeko (Gyeongju) the Global Service Award.

Satto Shigeko (60 years old, Chair of the Saemaeul Women’s Association of Gajeong 1-ri, Hyeongok-myeon, Gyeongju) has led various volunteer activities such as elder care and free meals at the welfare center for the disabled since being elected chair in 2015.

She also organized activities such as providing scholarships and helping neighbors in need with profits from selling meju (fermented soybean blocks) made from soybeans cultivated by village residents.

She always volunteered with a smile even in difficult tasks, earning her the Global Service Award.

Governor Lee Cheol-woo of Gyeongbuk Province said, “It was a very meaningful occasion to see the living Saemaeul spirit through the lives of the awardees who practice the Saemaeul spirit at home and in society,” and added, “I hope they will continue to take pride as proud Saemaeul women and become a strong pillar of the local community.”

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