As winter deepens in Korea, a familiar tradition quietly returns to local neighbourhoods. On Dongji, the winter solstice, warm bowls of red bean porridge are shared to wish for health, protection, and peace in the year ahead.

This year, that tradition carried special meaning in Seoul, as members of the Seoul James Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus chose to serve their neighbours together.

On 22nd December, the Seoul James Tribe Shincheonji Church members prepared the ‘Dongji Red Bean Porridge Tree’ with the children of the children’s group and delivered it to 50 stores near the temple, including market vendors, and community members across several neighbourhoods in Seoul.

This event was designed to spread warmth to the local community. A merchant expressed his gratitude and said, “If I eat this Dongji red bean porridge, I think I’ll be able to shake off all the hardships of this year.”

While delivering the winter solstice tree, a volunteer from the Seoul Church said, “As the winter solstice symbolises, I pray that you eat red bean porridge and forget all the hardships of this year, and that your wishes come true in the new year.”

Through seasonal traditions, food sharing, and ongoing volunteer work, the church members continue to show that faith can be expressed in simple, practical ways  especially during the coldest time of the year.

As bowls of warm porridge were handed from one person to another, the message was clear: faith learned becomes faith lived.