Embracing the Spirit of Korean New Year: A Heartwarming Rice Cake Soup Sharing Event in Busan
 |
| On 11th February, Shincheonji Andrew Church members visited a shopping centre in Busan and handed out rice cakes to celebrate the Lunar New Year, offering New Year's greetings |
Tteokguk, or rice cake soup, is a quintessential dish enjoyed during Seollal (Lunar New Year) in Korea. Eating a bowl of tteokguk symbolises gaining a year in age, as well as starting the New Year with a clean slate. The thinly sliced rice cakes, resembling coins, signify wealth and prosperity, while the broth's clarity represents purity and fresh beginnings. Families traditionally gather to share this meal, expressing gratitude and setting intentions for the year ahead.
Therefore, the act of sharing tteokguk with others carries a profound cultural meaning, representing the wish for communal harmony and blessings for all. This tradition recently served as the foundation for the Tteokguk Sharing Event, ensuring that even those in difficult circumstances could partake in the joy of Seollal.
On 11th February, a special event warmed the hearts of many in Busan. The “Tteokguk Sharing Meet & Greet Service” brought together local businesses and residents in the lead-up to Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year. Hosted by the Shincheonji Andrew Church, the Tteokguk Sharing Meet & Greet Service, held in a commercial area in Beomil neighbourhood, was designed to convey New Year's greetings to local businesses and residents and provide a time for communication during the Lunar New Year holiday. A number of dedicated church members offered their time and support.
The Tteokguk Sharing Meet & Greet Service not only provided meals but also created an atmosphere of trust and unity. This activity is particularly meaningful as it marks the fifth event in a series of ongoing public communication activities aimed at building relationships with businesses and residents near the Shincheonji Andrew Church.
 |
| On 11th February, Shincheonji Andrew Church members visited a market in Busan and handed out rice cakes to celebrate the Lunar New Year, offering New Year's greetings |
Church member volunteers, wearing traditional hanbok (traditional Korean attire), visited shops near the church, handing out tteokguk and sharing New Year's greetings. They visited 17 stores, including hair salons, coffee shops, and bakeries.
A store owner who was treated to tteotguk said, “Your visit has brought us a warm holiday spirit.” Pleasantries and friendly exchanges naturally took place.
 |
| On 11th February, Shincheonji Andrew Church members visited a shopping centre in Busan and handed out rice cakes to celebrate the Lunar New Year, offering New Year's greetings |
 |
| On 11th February, Shincheonji Andrew Church members visited a shopping centre in Busan and handed out rice cakes to celebrate the Lunar New Year, offering New Year's greetings |
A representative of the Andrew Church explained that the tteokguk sharing was planned not only as a meal service, but as an opportunity to build trust with local market owners and neighbours and expand communication on an ongoing basis, not just as a one-time activity.
By combining food preparation, traditional activities, and personal interaction, the Shincheonji Andrew Church's New Year event reflected a people-centred approach to community care focused on continuity and respect.
Source: vo.la/SqdlyqD
0 comments