During Korea’s summer heatwave, volunteers distributed ice-cold drinks, supported vulnerable citizens, and visited Korean War veterans to improve their homes and express gratitude for their service.

From 16th June - 14th August, the ‘Wise Summer Life’ initiative brought together 2633 volunteers, who supported 16,779 people across South Korea. More than 16,232 citizens also took part in campaigns and veterans’ remembrance activities.

Volunteers distributed more than 10,236 drinks, including ice water, watermelon punch, plum tea, and omija tea. They also provided 5542 heatwave-prevention items, including cooling towels, sleeves, fans, emergency kits, and saline glucose.

Beyond distributing supplies, volunteers held heatwave OX quizzes and, in some areas, provided health checks and ear acupuncture services for veterans.

Citizens were invited to write handwritten letters and cards expressing their appreciation for Korean War veterans. 1188 people participated, with many sharing personal memories and reflections.

One citizen in Daegu said, “My father is also a person of merit,” while others spoke about teaching younger generations to remember the sacrifices of veterans. In Cheongpyeong, citizens shared childhood memories of the Korean War, while in Jeongeup, one participant reflected on the value of peace after writing a letter.

Across the country, photo exhibitions, veteran biography displays, patriotic video screenings, and family-friendly activities helped younger generations learn about the veterans’ sacrifices. Customised gifts, including framed handprint maps, National Cemetery photographs, traditional knots, and 52 longevity photo frames, were also presented to veterans.

Volunteers visited 15 veteran households to improve their summer living conditions. They cleaned air-conditioner filters and fans, some of which had accumulated years of dust, and installed curtains and blinds.

They also delivered samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), fruit, and 218 sets of summer bedding, while spending time talking with veterans and reading letters written by citizens.

One veteran from Suncheon said he was grateful that citizens and students still remembered them. Another veteran from Mokpo said the volunteers’ efforts made him feel that his wartime service had not been forgotten.

The initiative extended beyond heatwave relief and veterans’ activities. Volunteers also supported local farmers and environmental efforts, helping with work on a 300-pyeong chilli field, harvesting 1000 sacks of corn, cleaning around war memorials, and collecting 300 litres of household waste.

The numbers—16,779 people supported, 16,232 citizen participants, and 2633 volunteers—show the scale of ‘Wise Summer Life.’ But its greatest impact was perhaps the connections created between generations.

A bottle of cold water offered with the words “Stay healthy,” a young person discovering a Korean War photograph for the first time, and a veteran smiling while reading a handwritten letter all carried the same message: remembering others and caring for them can become a lasting form of service.

Through ‘Wise Summer Life,’ summer volunteer work became more than heatwave relief—it created a cycle of sharing, remembrance, and gratitude connecting citizens with Korean War veterans.

Source: vo.la/kE6D8WE