A Special Wednesday in Daesan-eup, Seosan City
In Daesan-eup, Seosan City, Wednesdays are marked by a quiet but powerful tradition. As lunchtime approaches, volunteers gather to prepare a warm meal that has become a steady promise within the community.
What began as simple food sharing has grown into a rhythm of care, connection, and trust, reaching neighbors through meals, side dishes, and ongoing companionship.
This story looks at how small, consistent acts of volunteering have shaped everyday life in Daesan-eup and continue to create lasting warmth.
A Wednesday That Feels Different
Wednesdays in Daesan-eup carry a familiar atmosphere. As noon nears, the scent of soup fills the air and people naturally find their places.
Some volunteers quietly tie their aprons while others prepare serving trays, moving in sync without many words.
This is not just about eating together. It is a shared moment where neighbors remember one another.
Love Sharing Free Meal Program
The Daesan-eup Volunteer Council, led by President Kim Gi-jin, has long operated the Love Sharing Free Meal program.
Every Wednesday, one free meal service is provided, welcoming around 150 participants on average.
Each week, about 20 to 30 volunteers help with cooking, serving, and cleaning, making the program a natural part of daily life in the town.
Beyond Meals, Continuing on Thursdays
The spirit of sharing continues on Thursdays through side dish distribution and companionship visits.
Each week, volunteers deliver side dishes to 60 households, mainly elderly residents and people living alone.
Along with the food comes a simple check-in, offering reassurance through a quiet question of how the day is going.
Consistency That Builds Trust
The free meal service has continued steadily, reaching its 119th session this December.
Preparations begin early each Wednesday, from making broth to boiling pork and carefully serving bowls of noodles.
Through this routine, volunteers are reminded that volunteering is not about grand gestures, but about showing up again and again.
Support That Extends to Education
At the meal site, a notice explains that donations collected for love sharing are used to support students in need.
Small contributions from elderly participants gradually come together as scholarships.
On December 17th, a total of 900,000 KRW will be awarded to three students at Daesan Middle School, turning everyday kindness into hope for the next generation.
Recognizing Volunteers and Shared Effort
On December 13th, volunteers gathered at the Daesan branch of the Seosan Comprehensive Social Welfare Center for the 2025 Volunteer Day event.
Around 100 participants reflected on the year, encouraged one another, and celebrated those who dedicated their time.
Gifts of rice cakes and sweet rice were shared, supporting volunteers with appreciation and warmth.
Kindness That Reaches Further
The volunteer council’s work goes beyond food support.
In October, the Hanmoe Rainbow Village Orchestra performed for workers at the Daesan Industrial Complex, delivering encouragement through music.
These moments show how everyday kindness, repeated over time, quietly transforms a community.
Small Gestures, Real Change
The true strength of the Daesan-eup Volunteer Council lies in ordinary days.
Through meals, side dishes, conversations, and shared time, warmth accumulates and spreads.
Daesan-eup continues to show that meaningful change often begins with simple care, offered consistently to those nearby.
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