Gwangjin-gu shares 2,800 heads of kimchi with vulnerable residents

Gwangjin-gu in Seoul has joined forces with the Gwangjin Saemaul Women's Association to make and share kimchi for vulnerable residents ahead of year's end.

The district held its "Kimchi Sharing with Love" event Tuesday and Wednesday at the Gwangjin Saemaul Hall and Neungdong Jeongja Plaza.

Organized by the Gwangjin Saemaul Women's Association, the event drew more than 220 participants, including members of district and neighborhood Saemaul women's associations and community volunteers.

On Tuesday, volunteers trimmed napa cabbage, radishes and other ingredients and prepared the seasoning mix. On Wednesday, they moved on to the full kimchi-making and packaging process. Over the two days, 2,800 heads of cabbage and 1,000 radishes went into the batch.

The finished kimchi filled 902 boxes, all destined for neighbors in need across the district. Recipients include 740 low-income households, 42 district-run senior centers, eight disability welfare facilities, 13 community children's centers and six group homes for the elderly, people with disabilities and children.

Gwangjin-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said the event would help make the winter warmer for struggling neighbors. "Thanks to so many residents coming together with one heart and one purpose to share their warmth, this winter will be a much cozier one," Kim said. "I hope this kimchi-sharing effort gives strength to those going through hard times and brings our community even closer together."

Organizers said the event carried added significance as a public-private cooperative effort in which local residents and volunteers made the kimchi themselves and shared it directly with their neighbors.