A New Window, A Fresh Haircut, and a Bowl of Soup: How Two Cities Honored 100-Year-Old War Heroes

In Jeonju and Ulsan, Shincheonji Volunteer Group Paired Practical Home Repairs and Citizen-Crafted Gifts to Ensure Korean War Veterans Are Never Forgotten 💬 "My father is 100 years old, and so many household repairs were simply beyond his reach. Seeing volunteers care for him like their own family brings such peace of mind." — Son of Jeon Man-seok (100), a Korean War veteran in Jinan-gun True gratitude is not measured by grand speeches once a year on national holidays. It lives in the small, practical actions that make an aging hero’s daily life safer, cooler, and less lonely. This August, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group demonstrated what real-world patriotism looks like across two southern regions of South Korea— Jeonju and Ulsan . By combining heavy home repairs with warm personal care and citizen-written letters, volunteers created a powerful bridge of respect between everyday citizens and Korean War veterans. Jeonju Branch: Restoring Safety for a 100-Year-Old Veteran’s...
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Shincheonji Volunteer Group Hanam Branch Wraps Up Two-Year Campaign to Promote Korea’s National Flower

“Let the Mugunghwa Bloom”: A Community Awareness Initiative

The Hanam branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has released a two-year summary of its civic campaign “Let the Mugunghwa Bloom,” a volunteer initiative designed to raise awareness of Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon), Korea’s national flower.

The campaign focused on helping citizens better understand the value and meaning of the Mugunghwa, which represents endurance, hope, and national identity, yet remains relatively unfamiliar in everyday life for many people.



Why the Campaign Began

Despite being Korea’s national flower, public awareness of the Mugunghwa has been limited. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Korea Forest Service, the Mugunghwa ranked eighth in overall flower preference, highlighting the gap between its symbolic importance and daily visibility.

Recognizing this, the Hanam branch launched the campaign in earnest starting in 2025, combining education, hands-on experiences, and free seedling donations.

Hands-On Education and Seedling Sharing

Over the past two years, volunteers operated public information booths at busy locations such as Misa Station Square and local festivals in Hanam. Activities included:

  • Simple explanations about the history and meaning of the Mugunghwa

  • Short surveys and OX-style quizzes for citizens

  • Free distribution of Mugunghwa seedlings

In addition, the branch visited local child care centers and senior centers to offer educational sessions. These programs introduced basic facts about the Mugunghwa, shared information on its presence in the Hanam area, and included pot-planting experiences where participants could plant Mugunghwa seedlings themselves.

Honoring Veterans Through Symbolic Planting

As part of the campaign, the Hanam branch also donated and planted Mugunghwa trees at a farm run by the Cheongjeong Hanam Senior Association, an organization made up of decorated war veterans.

Because the Mugunghwa is closely associated with patriotism and remembrance, the activity was carried out as a gesture of gratitude and respect for those who have served the country.

Measurable Results Over Two Years

From 2024 to 2025, the Hanam branch carried out the “Let the Mugunghwa Bloom” campaign 27 times, with:

  • 239 participants

  • 556 total volunteer hours

  • 359 Mugunghwa seedlings donated

These figures reflect steady, repeated engagement rather than one-time events, emphasizing long-term community involvement.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Mugunghwa Campaign

The Hanam branch plans to continue Mugunghwa-sharing and awareness activities in the coming year. Along with ongoing public campaigns, the branch aims to expand seedling donations to government offices and public institutions where Mugunghwa trees are not yet planted.

A branch representative shared that the goal is to help the Mugunghwa become a flower people encounter naturally in daily life, through continued cooperation with local communities.

By combining education, participation, and symbolic action, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Hanam Branch’s efforts show how small, consistent civic initiatives can strengthen cultural awareness at the local level.

Source: https://vo.la/cEdFVgi


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