As part of a two-day initiative, the Bupyeong II Neighborhood Association (President: Choi Sik-Il) volunteered to offer bottled water to visitors at Incheon Family Park from April 4 to 5.

In cooperation with local community groups like the Neighborhood Association, Residents’ Association, New Village Women’s Association, Community Welfare Council, Youth Welfare Council, Vigilante, Folk Music Group, and Volunteer Security Patrol, this event has a 37-year tradition behind it, usually carried out for New Year’s Day, Chuseok, and Hansik (Cold Food Festival).

Reporter: Kim Hye-Suk

For this year’s Hansik, residents took advantage of the weekend break to take part in volunteer activities. Although it rained lightly from the early morning onward, this did not dampen the residents’ enthusiasm for serving their community. Each group took turns participating in activities that fostered a warm and friendly atmosphere.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was suspended for four years (beginning in 2019). It resumed last year, and we’ve gone on to take part in volunteer activities with various local community groups,” said Choi Sik-Il, the president of the Bupyeong II Neighborhood Association. “It’s a little embarrassing to boast about our volunteering; however, visitors are familiar with us now, as they’ve come to see this event consistently over the course of many years. Some people even take the time to thank us before they leave. I feel a great sense of fulfillment.”

Choi also said, “More than 20,000 people visit the cemetery here during the holidays, and we will continue to provide bottled water (Incheon Sky Water) to visitors at Incheon Family Park.”

“I am truly grateful to the residents who voluntarily participated and gave their time this weekend,” said Park Ok-Hee, the community head of Bupyeong-2-dong. “Most of the buildings in our neighborhood are residential, so the people here know each other and get along very well. Our service has been going on for many years, and it has now become a meaningful tradition in our neighborhood. I hope that my neighbors’ kind-hearted spirits will earn them recognition.”

In the end, even on a chilly, rainy day, the residents’ kindness and warmth shined through.