As winter approaches in Korea, many communities take part in kimjang (김장) — the cherished Korean tradition of making kimchi together and sharing it with neighbors. This culture of preparing and giving food is more than a seasonal task; it represents care, unity, and gratitude.
On November 18, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Changwon Branch carried this spirit forward by hosting a meaningful event for local Korean war veterans and Vietnam War veterans. The branch organized a lunch service and a kimchi-sharing program to honor those who sacrificed for the nation.
Honoring Veterans with a Warm Meal
The event, held in Changwon’s Seongsan-gu district, welcomed over 20 veterans, offering them a homemade lunch prepared with sincere gratitude.
The program was arranged in partnership with the Korea Disabled Veterans Association (Changwon Chapter), recognizing the bravery and dedication of those who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Veterans expressed their appreciation, noting that the volunteers’ continuous support has become a meaningful source of comfort each year.
Kimjang: A Season of Sharing
Korean culture highlight
Every late autumn, families and communities across Korea gather to prepare large batches of kimchi. This tradition, called kimjang, is so significant that UNESCO registered it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Changwon volunteers embraced this tradition by preparing 600 kg of kimchi for the veterans’ association members.
Shincheonji Changwon branch leader Lee Hyun-soo and association president Kang Sam-jong personally took part, mixing the cabbage and seasonings by hand — a meaningful gesture in Korean culture that symbolizes sincerity and respect.
A volunteer shared, “Kimjang is hard work, but my heart felt warmer knowing the elders would enjoy the food.”
A Tradition Continued Through Service
The event was supported by Seojin Travel Agency, showing local businesses also joining hands to honor veterans.
The Changwon branch shared that they plan to continue creating programs that residents can feel directly — not just seasonal activities, but practical, community-focused volunteer work.
Their ongoing initiatives include:
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Food-sharing and care programs
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Environmental activities such as the “Nature, Be Green” cleanup campaign
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Safety education like CPR training
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Voice phishing prevention and wildfire prevention campaigns
These efforts reflect the nationwide activities of the 79 branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group, many of which have been recognized by organizations including the Korean Red Cross.
A Community United by Gratitude
The combination of kimjang culture and veteran appreciation made this event more than a volunteer activity — it became a celebration of Korean values: honoring elders, remembering sacrifice, and sharing food made with care.
As Kimchi season continues in Korea, the Changwon branch’s efforts show how small acts of service can warm an entire community.
Source: https://vo.la/MHohKpZ
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