The event was held to honour the sacrifices of national heroes and express gratitude and respect. Volunteers styled recipients’ hair, delivered homemade samgyetang, and presented thank-you cards written by local citizens along with Taegeuk flower-shaped sock-yarn keyrings.

Volunteers also visited recipients who were unable to attend, delivering samgyetang directly to their homes.

The cards and keyrings were created through citizen participation in the “Wise Summer Life” campaign, held earlier in the month at Seongnam-dong’s Street of Youth and Taehwa River National Garden. Citizens took part in activities promoting heatwave safety and received cooling supplies and health information.

A veterans’ organisation official expressed appreciation, saying the annual visits show that the sacrifices of national heroes have not been forgotten. One recipient also thanked the volunteers for visiting despite the heat and for remembering national merit recipients.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Ulsan Branch head said, “Our peaceful daily lives are possible because of the sacrifices and dedication of national merit recipients, including Korean War veterans. We will continue participatory campaigns that honour their contributions with gratitude and respect.”