116th Graduates Share Warmth Through Kimjang: A Nationwide Volunteer Effort in Korea

As winter approached across Korea, graduates of the 116th Zion Christian Mission Center stepped forward to begin their first act of service: Kimjang, Korea’s traditional winter kimchi-making.

Across four regions—Seoul, Jeonju, Incheon, and Gumi—graduates gathered to prepare thousands of cabbages, mix seasonings, and share kimchi with neighbors in need. Each event carried the same message: “What we learned through the Word, we now practice through love.”

Seoul James Tribe: 100 Graduates Join Year-End Kimjang Festival

In Nowon District, Seoul, over 100 graduates from the James Tribe joined a large year-end Kimjang festival.
They prepared 250 heads of cabbage, packed into 150 boxes, and shared them with:

• The Seoul Veterans Association

• The Seoul branch of the Korean War Veterans Association

The event included:

• A game zone

• A food-sharing zone

• A gratitude message space

• A craft corner for making keychains

Leaders emphasized that this first volunteer activity represents a meaningful start to living out a life of service.

Thomas Tribe: 255 Graduates Make 1,300 Cabbages of Kimchi

In Jeonju, the largest Kimjang activity took place.
255 graduates from the Doma Tribe gathered from Jeonju, Iksan, Gunsan, and Jeongeup.

They:

• Harvested 1,300 freshly grown cabbages

• Prepared the seasoning together

• Made 320 boxes of kimchi (3,250 kg total)

The kimchi was delivered to:

• The Korean War Veterans Association (Jeonbuk)

• Community centers serving seniors living alone

• Local children’s centers

Graduates shared that this work was their way of giving thanks after completing their studies.

John Tribe: 200 Volunteers Prepare 2,100 kg of Kimchi for Veterans

In Incheon, more than 200 volunteers, including 100 new graduates, joined the Kimjang effort.

They prepared 2,100 kg of kimchi, scheduled for delivery to:

• 500 households of national merit recipients

Volunteers took part in every step—harvesting, washing, seasoning, and packaging.
The tribe emphasized that this was the first volunteer service completed by the new 116th graduates after joining their faith community.

Thaddeus Tribe: 1.5 Tons of Kimchi Prepared in Gumi

In Gumi, graduates from Daegu, Pohang, Gumi, Gyeongju, and Andong gathered at Gumi Station Square.
The Thaddeus Tribe’s Kimjang included:

• 1.5 tons of kimchi (420 cabbages)

• 220 participants, including new graduates

• A clean, well-organized cooking space

The kimchi was delivered to eight welfare and veterans’ groups, including:

• National merit associations

• Disability support organizations

• Local social welfare centers

The event also featured K-food booths, traditional cultural activities, and craft programs, attracting families and local residents.

A Shared Purpose Across the Nation

Although the events took place in different cities, all four stories shared the same heart:

✔ Newly graduated 116th-class volunteers

✔ Practicing love and gratitude through Kimjang

✔ Supporting veterans, seniors, and vulnerable neighbors

✔ Continuing a meaningful Korean winter tradition

✔ Turning Bible learning into real acts of service

Across the country, the graduates expressed that this Kimjang was more than volunteer work. For many, it was the first step of a new life, where learning and service come together.