'Fit firefighter calendar' hits shelves to help burn patients

A new charity calendar featuring Seoul's fittest firefighters has gone on sale to raise funds for burn patients' medical bills.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government Fire and Disaster Headquarters launched the 2027 Firefighter Hope-Sharing Calendar on Monday, which marks the 64th Fire Service Day. The calendar features 14 firefighters selected at the 15th Seoul Fit Firefighter Competition held in May.

Available in two formats — a desk version (2,000 copies) and a wall-hanging version (1,000 copies) — each copy is priced at 14,900 won ($11) and can be purchased through GS Shop until Jan. 19. With only 3,000 copies printed, sales may end early once stock runs out.

The calendar includes photos of the 14 competition winners, images of various firefighter uniforms and monthly safety tips.

All proceeds will be donated to the Hallym Burn Foundation to cover medical expenses for burn patients facing financial hardship. Severe burn patients often require multiple surgeries and extended treatment and rehabilitation, placing a heavy financial burden on them and their families.

Now in its 13th year since launching in 2014, the initiative has sold more than 120,000 copies over the past 12 years. Including 65 million won raised from this year's calendar, total donations have reached more than 1.26 billion won ($928,000), helping cover treatment costs for 309 burn patients.

Photographer Bae Gang-woo contributed services pro bono, while GS Retail, Design Click and other private companies also lent their support to the calendar's production and distribution.

"This is a meaningful initiative where citizens' participation translates into support for burn patients' treatment and recovery," said Hong Yeong-geun, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Fire and Disaster Headquarters. "We hope the calendar encourages people to think about everyday safety and to take an interest in giving back."