Byeolnae-myeon Life Improvement Association holds kimchi-making event for love
Teh Namyangju City Byeolnae-myeon Life Improvement Association (Chairman Lee Jin-sook) held a ‘Kimchi-making with Love’ event at the restaurant on the 3rd floor of the Byeolnae-myeon Office on the 23rd.
This event was selected and promoted as part of the ‘2024 Volunteer Excellence Program Contest’ hosted by the Namyangju City Volunteer Center, and the kimchi made on this day was delivered to 130 vulnerable households in Byeolnae-myeon, including the elderly living alone, recipients of basic livelihood security, and households with disabilities.
Chairman Lee Jin-sook said, “I hope that the kimchi made with great effort by our members will provide some comfort to our neighbors in need. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the event, and we will continue to carry out activities to deliver love to our underprivileged neighbors.”
Meanwhile, the Byeolnae-myeon Life Improvement Association is an organization belonging to the Korea Life Improvement Namyangju City association. It consistently practices the 5-S movement, such as △Creating a harmonious family, △Volunteering, △Having one special skill per person, △Prevention of elderly suicide, and △Environmental conservation, and promotes community welfare.
A festival of sharing and the environment held in wabu-eup, and an environmental love sharing bazaar held.
Namyangju City’s wabu Joan Administrative Welfare Center (Center Director Kim Gil-won) held the ‘2nd Wabu Environmental Love Sharing Bazaar’ at the Wabu Gallery on the first floor of the Wabu-eup Community Center for two days from the 27th to the 28th.
This event was hosted by the Wabujoan Administrative Welfare Center and organized by the Wabu-eup Community Security Council, and was designed to raise awareness of environmental protection by donating the proceeds by selling items donated by citizens, sharing the value of resource circulation, and raising awareness of environmental protection.
At the event, a simple and transparent donation process was implemented through a pre-donation item reception system and donation kiosk, and various product sales booths and eco-booths were operated and received a great response from citizens.
In particular, △Global Village 20 (clothing and miscellaneous goods worth about 3 million won) △The Tong Department Store (30 boxes of glass bottles) △Cosmos confectionery (50 boxes of snack gift sets) △Namyangju Jump Flea Association (board games and books) △Namyangju Newspaper, etc. Organizations and individual donors contributed to the success of the event by sponsoring approximately 2,500 items.
Kim Jang-jae, chairman of the Wabu Community Security Council, said, “This event will be an opportunity to revitalize resource circulation within the community and spread the donation culture,” and added, “We will continue to take the lead in realizing practical community welfare.”
Kim Gil-won, head of the Wabujoan Administrative Welfare Center, said, “The Sharing Bazaar was a meaningful event where citizens practiced the values of donation and sharing and reflected on the importance of environmental protection.” He added, “Wabu-eup strives to create a sustainable city centered on sharing and the environment.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Namyangju City
What role does kimchi play in promoting community bonding during cultural events?
Interview: Time.news Editor with kimchi Expert on Community Engagement and tradition
Editor: Welcome to the Time.news interview series! Today, we’re delighted to have with us Dr. Min-Jun Park, a cultural anthropologist specializing in customary Korean food practices. Recently, the Byeolnae-myeon Life Improvement Association hosted a “Kimchi-making with Love” event that captured the community’s spirit. Dr. Park, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Park: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this vibrant aspect of Korean culture.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Could you tell us why kimchi is such a vital part of Korean culture and community,notably in events like these?
Dr. Park: Absolutely! Kimchi is not just food; it’s an embodiment of Korean identity. It’s a dish that carries centuries of tradition and cultural significance. Events like the “Kimchi-making with Love” not only promote the importance of this staple food but also strengthen community bonds through shared labor and the passing down of culinary skills. It fosters a sense of togetherness and showcases the beauty of collaboration.
Editor: That’s captivating! The event you mentioned was organized by the byeolnae-myeon Life Improvement Association. How do such organizations contribute to social cohesion in local communities?
Dr. Park: Organizations like the Byeolnae-myeon Life Improvement Association play a crucial role. They serve as a bridge between tradition and modern civic engagement. By organizing culturally rooted events, they foster inclusivity and invite people of all ages to participate, creating intergenerational bonds. Such activities not only preserve cultural practices but also instill a sense of pride and belonging among community members.
Editor: You brought up the intergenerational aspect, which is so critically important. How can younger generations benefit from participating in these traditional activities?
Dr. park: Participating in kimchi-making allows younger generations to connect with their heritage in a tactile way. It’s one thing to hear about a tradition, but experiencing it firsthand creates lasting memories and understanding. They learn about the flavors, techniques, and stories behind kimchi, and, moast importantly, they feel a part of something larger than themselves—this shared cultural history.
Editor: It sounds like events like this have a ripple effect in communities! Moving forward, how do you envision the future of traditional practices like kimchi-making in urban settings?
Dr. Park: The future is both exciting and challenging. Urbanization can sometimes dilute traditional practices, but there’s also a strong movement to reclaim and revive them.We’re seeing a growing interest in fermented foods and a trend toward sustainability. I believe that with the right initiatives, urban communities can become hubs for not only preserving but also innovating these traditions, combining them with modern culinary practices while maintaining their cultural significance.
Editor: That’s a comforting thought! Final question: What message would you like to share about the importance of food traditions in contemporary society?
Dr. Park: I’d like to emphasize that food traditions like kimchi-making are not merely about eating; they’re about connection, history, and identity. In a fast-paced world, slowing down to honor these practices can provide joy, nurture relationships, and help us understand where we come from. Participating in community events not only enriches our own lives but also strengthens the fabric of society.
Editor: Dr. Park, thank you so much for sharing yoru insights with us today. It’s been a pleasure discussing the significance of kimchi-making and community engagement with you.
dr.Park: Thank you for having me. It’s been a delight to share the love of kimchi and culture!