A Day of Joy and Service in a Quiet Fishing Village
On this day, laughter filled the quiet fishing village.
Members of the volunteer group Unnamhoe, gathered from Daegu and various parts of Gyeongbuk, prepared Jajangmyeon for the elderly.
It was a meaningful time as artists performed together.
Today is not just about volunteering; it’s a day to share heartfelt connections.
"Come enjoy delicious Jajangmyeon!"
From early morning, members were busy.
In a large pot, noodles were boiling while the savory smell of stir-fried black bean paste wafted through the air.
Each time an elder arrived, they greeted them warmly and served freshly made, warm Jajangmyeon with care.
It looked delicious in photos, but the expressions of the elders who tasted it told even more stories.
"It’s delicious."
"It reminds me of old times."
Those few words were the greatest reward for the members.
Unnamhoe members making Jajangmyeon
Unnamhoe's Warm Service for Nearly 15 Years
Unnamhoe is a volunteer group formed by local seniors and juniors coming together for a common purpose.
Although 14 to 15 years have passed, they still maintain the same spirit, seeking out places in need of help.
They do not have special sponsorship; the monthly dues collected from members form the foundation of their service.
With this dedication, they visit neighbors 5 to 6 times a year to provide warm meals.
Unnamhoe demonstrates that volunteering is not about grand gestures but about consistent, heartfelt efforts.
Group photo of Unnamhoe
Why is Jajangmyeon always the volunteer food?
I suddenly became curious.
"Why Jajangmyeon?"
The members’ answer was surprisingly simple.
"For the elders, Jajangmyeon is a special food."
It’s not something they could easily eat now, but a nostalgic dish they could only enjoy on special occasions during difficult times in their childhood.
Thus, a bowl of Jajangmyeon carries more meaning than just food.
It evokes happy memories, family times, and childhood nostalgia.
"Honestly, it didn’t taste great at first."
Everyone laughed at the members’ stories.
They didn’t start making delicious Jajangmyeon from the beginning.
There were many trials and errors, researching everything from cooking times to the ratio of black bean paste.
They even tried making green tea noodles and various other experiments.
But ultimately, the elders taught them the answer.
They preferred softer noodles that were easy to eat rather than chewy or overly spicy ones.
As they adjusted to the elders’ tastes, they eventually became known for their delicious Jajangmyeon.
Experience proves that both taste and service improve with time.
Completed Jajangmyeon
Seeing the elders reminded me of my parents.
While volunteering, I always feel that the elders’ faces are not much different from those of our parents.
Watching them enjoy a bowl of Jajangmyeon with bright smiles made my heart swell.
Volunteering is often thought of as something done for others, but I realized that the ones who learn the most are often the volunteers themselves.
A special day with artists, it wasn’t just about serving meals.
Artists working with the Korean Artist Welfare Foundation also joined in.
A performance of the Salpuri dance wishing for the elders’ health and longevity followed.
Our traditional dance is said to carry the meaning of dispelling misfortune and wishing for good energy.
Each movement contained wishes for the elders’ health and happiness, and as the performance ended, applause erupted from all around.
It was a beautiful time of sharing hearts through food and conveying comfort through art.
Salpuri dance performance
Warm hearts linger long.
A bowl of Jajangmyeon is quickly emptied.
But the care and love contained within will be remembered for a long time.
The small efforts of the members brought happiness to the elders’ day, and seeing that made us reflect on our parents and feel gratitude.
The contributions of the artists that day were also special.
Not only did they wish for the elders’ health and longevity through Salpuri dance, but the photographers also carefully captured each elder’s likeness.
For elders who may not have the chance to take even a single photo in their daily lives, the photos from this day became precious memories and special gifts to share with their families.
A day filled with delicious Jajangmyeon, heartfelt performances, and treasured moments captured in photos.
Thanks to Unnamhoe, which has quietly continued its service for nearly 15 years, and the participating artists, the village of Igari was filled with laughter and warmth.
Some made Jajangmyeon, some conveyed blessings through dance, and some recorded moments through photography.
Together, these diverse talents gifted the elders an unforgettable day.
Today, a bowl of Jajangmyeon became a memory for someone, and a photograph became a precious gift to cherish for a lifetime.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeongbuk_official/224366369293
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