When the Flowers Reappeared: Gapyeong Solved Its Tourist Boom and Labor Shortage Crisis

Amid Rapid Aging and 3.7 Million Annual Visitors, Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheongpyeong Branch Partners with Local Villages to Build a Sustainable Model of Civic Care 💬 “The weeds had grown so tall that our flower garden was completely hidden. Now that the flowers are alive again, our whole village feels brighter.” — Lee Gun-seon (70, female), a resident of Yumyeongsan Village in Gapyeong Gapyeong County, famous for Cheongpyeong Lake and Mount Yumyeong, presents a striking contrast. According to local government statistics, over 3.69 million tourists flooded into Gapyeong’s picturesque sites in 2025 alone . Yet behind this bustling tourism lies a quiet crisis. Designated as a population decline zone, Gapyeong's elderly population (aged 65 and over) has passed 34% of the total population . In the hot summer months, wild weeds and kudzu vines spread rapidly along roadside flower beds and village entrances—the very first spots tourists see. With most local residents in their late ...
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The "Heavenly Exam": 7,400+ Believers in Busan Challenge Themselves with Bible Memorization

While many are moving away from religious texts, one community in Busan is doing the exact opposite. The Shincheonji Andrew Tribe recently held its "Heavenly Exam" (Cheonguk-gosi), a rigorous test focused on memorizing and understanding the Book of Revelation.


Why the "Heavenly Exam"? 

This isn't just about grades. It's about a "spiritual reset." After seeing a massive 3-fold increase in participants compared to last year, over 7,459 believers sat for the exam on March 28th. The goal? To embed the Word of God into their daily lives and build a faith that isn't just a weekend hobby, but a lifestyle.

Real People, Real Change:

  • For Young Professionals: Like 29-year-old Park Jung-won, who memorized verses during his commute. "It helped me build a habit of self-discipline and reflection," he says.

  • For Seniors: Like 72-year-old Kim Soon-bok, who stayed up late to study. "Memorizing keeps my mind focused and elevates my meditation," she shares.


More than a Test 

An Andrew Tribe official explained that this process helps believers practice the Word in their daily routines rather than just listening to sermons passively. With attendance skyrocketing, the "Heavenly Exam" is becoming a powerful movement for spiritual recovery in the Busan region.


Source: https://vo.la/1aQkBk4

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  1. Noah Brown2026년 5월 6일 오전 6:18

    I know not of any other church that tests its congregation on a weekly basis. Real evidence of love for God and His Word!

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Shincheonji Netherlands Church and Class 116 Graduates Carry Out Environmental Cleanup in Rotterdam

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Class 116 Graduates Share Warmth Through Kimchi: A Winter of Giving in the Peter and Andre Tribes

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