Honoring the Living History: Shincheonji Hwagok Church Preserving the Legacy of Korean War Veterans

While spring has arrived with blooming flowers, many Korean War veterans still live in a "cold winter" of loneliness and poverty. As the generation that witnessed the tragedy of war rapidly fades, the Bartholomew Tribe Hwagok Church has stepped up, not just with supplies, but with a heart for true peace. The Urgency of "Now": A Race Against Time To understand the significance of this work, we must look at the numbers. According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, of the 900,000 soldiers who fought in the Korean War, only about 30,216 remain today —a staggering 96.6% decrease . With an average age of 93, these heroes are often left in the shadows of society. "I can still hear my comrades crying out for help amidst the shells," shares Lim Jeong-taek, head of the Yangcheon branch of the Veterans Association. Recognizing this urgency, Shincheonji Hwagok Church has dedicated the past five years to ensuring these voices are heard before they disap...

Shincheonji Volunteer Group Conducts Community Service Activities Across Busan and Gyeongnam

Lunar New Year Volunteer Efforts Include Meal Sharing, Cultural Programs, and Environmental Cleanup

Throughout February 2026, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan–Gyeongnam West Regional Union carried out a series of volunteer activities across multiple communities in Busan and Gyeongnam, supporting seniors, veterans, and local residents.

The initiatives included cultural programs for elderly residents, meal-sharing activities, support for veterans, and neighborhood environmental cleanup campaigns.

These efforts were organized under three volunteer programs:

  • “Baekse Manse” (Long Live 100 Years) – cultural and meal-sharing activities for seniors

  • “Warmth Sharing” – support and meal service for veterans and community members

  • “Nature, Let’s Be Green” – local environmental cleanup activities

Cultural Programs and Tteokguk Meal Service for Seniors

One of the main activities took place at senior community centers in Jinhae and Yangsan, where volunteers organized cultural programs and shared traditional meals.

The “Baekse Manse” program included:

  • Light exercise activities for seniors

  • Trot music performances and singing sessions

  • Traditional Korean game yutnori

  • A shared meal featuring tteokguk (rice cake soup)

The events created a lively atmosphere with singing and laughter among participants.

One elderly resident from a senior center in the Jangcheon area of Jinhae said it was especially meaningful because volunteer visits had become less frequent in recent years. The resident expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ visit and described the gathering as an enjoyable time filled with music and conversation.

During the singing session, several seniors participated directly by performing songs. One participant joked that the day made them feel like they were “living a hundred-year life,” while another said singing freely after a long time felt refreshing.


“Warmth Sharing” Meal Service for Veterans in Masan

Ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, the Masan Branch conducted a meal-sharing activity for members of the Gyeongnam Masan Chapter of the Korea Agent Orange Veterans Association.

Volunteers served tteokguk and side dishes to approximately 50 people, including veterans and participants in local senior employment programs.

The activity was organized to express appreciation for individuals who had served the country. One attendee raised a thumbs-up and said “Great,” creating a cheerful moment during the gathering.

A representative from the Masan chapter of the veterans association noted that volunteers have visited regularly to share encouragement and support.

Environmental Cleanup in Jinhae

Environmental volunteer work was also carried out in Jinhae, where around 30 volunteers participated in the “Nature, Let’s Be Green” campaign.

Participants cleaned neighborhood streets and surrounding areas ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, collecting dozens of bags of waste.

A local village leader said the cleanup helped improve the environment for residents preparing for the holiday and expressed appreciation for the volunteers who participated despite cold weather.

Ongoing Community Volunteer Efforts

According to the Busan–Gyeongnam West Regional Union, the February activities brought together volunteers and local residents through a variety of community-focused programs.

A representative of the organization stated that interactions with seniors and residents often remind volunteers of the meaningful impact of service, especially when participants express appreciation and share smiles during the events.

The union indicated that it plans to continue carrying out community outreach activities and volunteer programs in cooperation with local residents.


Source: https://vo.la/jKFZQ7e

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