"Coffee and Rest Areas Provided Free" Merchants Roll Up Sleeves to Help Wildfire Victims

On the 11th, a large wildfire broke out in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, causing significant damage to residents. In response, local merchants have stepped forward to offer free coffee and shelter to affected residents and firefighters.

On the 12th, a cafe in Gangmun-dong, Gangneung City announced via Instagram, "We will provide free coffee for the time being," adding, "For those who have been urgently evacuated and have nowhere to go, we will offer simple snacks and drinks if needed."

The cafe also stated, "Firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and public officials are welcome to come and rest," and "We will provide beverages."

An Instagram post from a cafe in Gangmun-dong, Gangneung-si. [Photo source=Instagram capture]

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A representative of the cafe, who has been active in the volunteer fire brigade for over 10 years, expressed empathy for the dire situation and said they would suspend normal business for a few days to share what they can.

Another pet-friendly cafe in Yucheon-dong, Gangneung City, announced, "Although our store is very small, those who urgently need to evacuate with dogs or cats are welcome to come to the cafe comfortably," adding, "There may be people who couldn't bring pet food or water, and I will help in any way I can."

The cafe reportedly has separate spaces for dogs and cats, as the dining area and kitchen are separated.

The representative also said, "You don't have to order anything," and "We want to provide a place for you and your children, so please feel free to visit."

Another pet grooming business also announced, "Due to the wildfire spread, we are temporarily postponing our scheduled opening and offering evacuation spaces for pets," and shared contact information, urging residents in the affected areas who need pet evacuation assistance to get in touch.

Netizens who saw this responded with comments such as "Heartwarming," "A tough decision but admirable," "Places like this deserve to be rewarded financially," and "I will definitely visit when I come to Gangneung."

Meanwhile, the main fire of the Gangneung wildfire was extinguished around 4:30 p.m., about eight hours after the fire started that day. The wildfire destroyed 379 hectares of forest, equivalent to 530 soccer fields.

Facilities damaged include 59 houses, 34 pensions, 3 hotels, 2 commercial buildings, 1 vehicle, 1 church facility, and 1 cultural property, totaling 101 sites.

The disaster displaced 649 people from 323 households.

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