A Summer Tradition of Care: Sharing Warmth on the Hottest Day
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| The Changwon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group conveyed their gratitude and respect to national merit recipients by organising a samgyetang (chicken soup) sharing event, hair, beauty, and aromatherapy services, and a photo exhibition commemorating the Korean War. A national merit recipient participating in the event held on 23rd July is making a fan using a handprint. |
In Korea, summer isn't just about enduring the heat—it's about sharing warmth in another way. Every year, during Chobok (초복), the first of three Boknal days marking the hottest periods of the season, Koreans turn to a unique tradition: eating Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) - a traditional Korean dish of whole chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujube, immersed into a rich, restorative soup - to replenish energy and strengthen the body.
But in Changwon, that tradition was made even more meaningful.
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| The Changwon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group conveyed their gratitude and respect to national merit recipients by organising a Samgyetang (chicken soup) sharing event, hair, beauty, and aromatherapy services, and a photo exhibition commemorating the Korean War. The photo shows volunteers from the Changwon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group preparing Samgyetang, wishing the national merit recipients a healthy summer. |
On 23rd July 2026, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Changwon Branch held their annual Chobok celebration for national merit recipients. In a heartwarming gathering, volunteers served homemade Samgyetang to 25 disabled members and shared a day filled with smiles, creativity, and care.
This partnership continues to be more than just a summer event—it’s a living connection between generations, volunteers, and hearts.
“Smelling the fragrant aroma brings a sense of peace and moves me deeply. The service that the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has consistently demonstrated over a long period goes beyond mere assistance; it is ‘true love’ itself,” shared one participant with a bright smile.
More Than a Meal
Alongside the meal, the day included experiential programmes, including aromatherapy, hair and beauty services, and making fans using handprints, giving participants a chance to beat the heat with creativity and laughter. They also delivered hygiene product sets consisting of toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Youth volunteer Choi Jeong-ja shared her touching experience:
“Seeing the bright smiles of the veteran elders touched my heart,” and “I will never forget that the peace and happiness we enjoy today were built upon the sacrifices of heroes.”
This simple act of connection shows how service not only gives—but transforms.
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| The Changwon branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group (Branch Manager Lee Hyun-soo, hereinafter the Changwon branch) held a 'Love for Country and Peace Sharing' event at the Boguk Hall in Changwon on the 23rd to mark the 76th anniversary of the Korean War, inviting national merit recipients and delivering samgyetang (chicken soup) and hygiene products for the summer. |
Continuing a Relationship of Care
The Changwon branch shared that they plan to continue creating programmes that residents can feel directly — not just seasonal activities, but practical, community-focused volunteer work.
Their ongoing initiatives include:
- Food-sharing and care programmes
- Environmental activities such as the “Nature, Be Green” clean-up campaign
- Safety education like CPR training
- Voice phishing prevention and wildfire prevention campaigns
Source: vo.la/qHajAe3
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