Shincheonji Volunteer Group Shares Lunar New Year Warmth Across Korea

Meals, Care, and Community Support During Seollal 2026

As families across Korea prepared to celebrate Seollal (Lunar New Year), volunteer branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out community-centered outreach activities nationwide.

Rather than focusing only on internal celebrations, volunteers visited seniors living alone, hosted intergenerational gatherings, delivered traditional holiday meal kits, and organized emotional healing programs.

From Sokcho to Daegu, Hwaseong–Osan, and Gangneung, the common theme was clear:
Lunar New Year is also a time to care for neighbors who may feel isolated.

Sokcho: “Pink Bojagi” Meal Delivery to Seniors Living Alone

On February 12, the Sokcho Branch visited 10 elderly households in the 40-Step Village area of Geumho-dong, where many displaced and elderly residents live alone.

Volunteers dressed in traditional hanbok and personally delivered “Pink Bojagi” meal packages containing:

• Tteokguk (rice cake soup) meal kits

• Traditional holiday dishes

• Handmade wrapping cloth prepared by church members

The activity built upon relationships formed during previous briquette volunteer service in the area.

One 96-year-old resident, originally from South Hamgyong Province, welcomed volunteers warmly and shared stories of life in the village for over 70 years.

The branch explained that the goal was simple: to ensure seniors spending the holiday alone could share at least one warm and comforting meal.

Daegu: “Hyo” Celebration for 50 Elderly Residents in Cheongdo

In Cheongdo County, where the population includes a high proportion of elderly residents, the Daegu Branch hosted a Lunar New Year “Hyo (filial respect)” celebration at a village community center.

Approximately:

• 50 senior residents

• 20 volunteers

participated in the event.

Volunteers prepared traditional holiday foods including tteokguk, jeon (savory pancakes), and seasoned vegetables.

Children dressed in hanbok performed songs and offered traditional bows, creating an intergenerational atmosphere of respect and joy.

After the meal, seniors participated in paraffin hand therapy and acupressure programs designed to reduce fatigue and improve circulation.

Local community leaders expressed appreciation for the consistent visits, noting the emotional encouragement provided to elderly residents during the holiday season.

Hwaseong–Osan: Tteokguk Ingredient Sets for Vulnerable Households

In the Hwaseong–Osan region of Gyeonggi Province, volunteers delivered holiday food ingredient sets to 30 households, including families with disabilities.

The support was organized after learning that a previously planned rice cake soup sharing event had been canceled due to internal circumstances.

Volunteers prepared and delivered:

• Beef bone broth

• Rice cake slices for tteokguk

• Traditional sweet rice drink (sikhye)

• Additional cooking ingredients

The items were prepared with contributions from church members and delivered directly to households before the holiday.

Recipients shared gratitude, noting that the effort helped ease the burden of preparing a traditional holiday meal.

Gangneung: “Dadahikseon” Emotional Healing Volunteer Program

In Gangneung’s Wolhwa Street area, the Gangneung Branch organized its regular “Dadahikseon” volunteer program, focusing on emotional well-being and community engagement.

“Dadahikseon” is a Korean expression meaning “the more, the better.” In this context, it reflects the idea that sharing more kindness, encouragement, and small positive actions leads to greater collective good.

The event featured:

• A reflection board encouraging participants to write personal commitments

• Traditional yutnori games

• Succulent plant repotting experiences

• Intergenerational participation from families and tourists

The program emphasized self-reflection and emotional connection ahead of the holiday season.

Participants shared personal thoughts about stress, family concerns, and goals for the New Year. Volunteers described the initiative as a form of “sharing the heart” rather than material support.

Continuing Community-Based Outreach

Each branch stated that Lunar New Year activities are part of broader year-round volunteer initiatives, including:

• Support for seniors living alone

• Assistance for vulnerable families

• Environmental campaigns

• Intergenerational programs

As Seollal 2026 concluded, these coordinated efforts demonstrated how local volunteer networks combined cultural tradition with community care.

While families gathered to welcome the New Year, volunteers across Korea ensured that those without immediate family support were not overlooked.

Source:

- https://vo.la/tBfv1JS

- https://vo.la/TZ7zVVt

- https://vo.la/j8t4eVn

- https://vo.la/7jw7qpq