Across different cities in South Korea, one pattern quietly repeated itself throughout 2025.
Volunteers showed up - not for one-time events, but again and again - responding to real needs in everyday places rooted in consistent service, rather than visibility.
Throughout 2025, branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in the Seoul–Gyeonggi and Incheon regions carried out a series of community-focused activities, ranging from large-scale kimchi sharing for veterans’ families to small-business support, senior care, and environmental campaigns.
Rather than a single event, the efforts formed a connected “relay of care”, responding to different needs across communities during the coldest time of the year.
Seoul–Southern Gyeonggi: Expanding Support for Vulnerable Communities
The Seoul–Southern Gyeonggi Regional Association supported 10,810 people in 2025, nearly doubling the previous year’s reach with a reported 98% increase.
A total of 5176 volunteers participated across 251 days, reflecting steady growth in both participation and activity frequency. Services were carried out in many local communities and included:
✦Daily living and emotional support for seniors living alone and people with disabilities
✦Side-dish and kimchi sharing, home repairs, and visiting beauty services
✦Support activities for national veterans
✦Environmental cleanups, plogging, and mural painting
✦Disaster and recovery assistance when needed
Organisers explained that the growth was possible because activities were planned based on local needs and continued on a regular basis, allowing volunteers to provide consistent and meaningful help.
Incheon: One System, Seven Branches, Citywide Impact
In Incheon, the regional association coordinated seven local branches under a unified system, allowing volunteers to work together efficiently across the city.
Throughout 2025:
✦1375 volunteers participated
✦Activities were carried out over 148 days
✦Services reached 3229 residents at 66 locations
Environmental projects included river and park cleanups, plogging, drainage maintenance, and wildfire prevention campaigns timed to seasonal needs. Local residents noted that regular cleanups noticeably improved neighbourhood conditions.
Veterans, Housing, and Care Services
Incheon volunteers also carried out 19 veteran-support activities, including year-end kimchi sharing and public awareness campaigns related to memorial culture.
Housing-related services included 12 mural-painting projects, improving aging residential areas and encouraging resident participation. In addition, 12 elderly grooming services were provided, offering haircuts and personal care while also giving volunteers time to check in and talk with seniors. Some participants shared that these services became something they looked forward to regularly.
Structured Volunteer Models and Future Plans
The Incheon Regional Association organised its work into eight service categories, covering environment, veterans, housing, and care services. Several local organizations expressed appreciation by presenting certificates of gratitude, recognizing the group’s consistent presence and cooperation.
Both regional associations stated that they plan to continue focusing on:
✦Emotional care services
✦Housing and environmental improvement
✦Practical support tailored to local community needs
By emphasising continuity, coordination, and on-site action, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group aims to remain a steady partner to local communities in 2026 and beyond.
A Shared Principle: Consistent Help Where It’s Needed
Across Seoul, Southern Gyeonggi, and Incheon, the 2025 activities shared a common approach - regular, need-based service carried out over time. Rather than short-term events, the focus remained on sustained involvement and cooperation with local residents.
These year-long efforts show how organised volunteer systems can translate participation into measurable impact, strengthening trust and improving everyday life at the community level.
Source: https://vo.la/EkntCCe
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