Happy Chuseok Shared With the Global Family 2024

As summer recedes and September skies clear, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) has launched its “Happy Chuseok Shared With Neighbors 2024” event. From September 4 to 12, WeLoveU donated food packages to 1,400 families, including those from underprivileged and multicultural backgrounds, through over 60 local governments nationwide.

On September 11, just prior to the Chuseok holiday, the WeLoveU Education Center in Seongnam, Korea, hosted the “Happy Chuseok Shared with the Global Family 2024” event. The gathering was attended by Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, WeLoveU board members, and Yi Bae-keun, President of the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, along with diplomats from Mongolia, Nepal, Peru, Iraq, and other nations. Approximately 180 participants, including multicultural families and international students from 20 countries such as Mongolia, the Philippines, Nepal, Laos, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Uzbekistan, the United States, Peru, Kenya, and Sierra Leone, were present.

The WeLoveU Education Center was abuzz with activity from early morning as members donned colorful Hanbok in preparation for the event. Volunteers diligently arranged tablecloths and organized event materials, ensuring that everything was ready for the guests. By 11 a.m., invited neighbors began arriving at the venue. With their faces reflecting excitement, they entered with family, friends, and neighbors.

At the welcome ceremony’s opening, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah addressed foreign residents in Korea, offering words of encouragement. She expressed her hope that those feeling homesick would find comfort and warmth during Chuseok, stating, “This event has been organized with a mother’s heart in place of your families back home.” Chairwoman Zahng further remarked, “I hope this occasion provides you with warmth and solace, and that each of you gains strength and courage as a valuable member of society.”

Yi Bae-keun, President of the Korea Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, acknowledged WeLoveU’s dedication to supporting the global family through its welfare activities. He expressed his hope that the love shared during this Chuseok event would become a cherished memory for all attendees.

Following the speeches, guests received Chuseok gifts and participated in a luncheon and traditional Korean cultural experience. The luncheon featured a diverse array of dishes prepared by WeLoveU members, including Songpyeon, Bulgogi, Jeon, Japchae, Tempura, and Kimbap. Multicultural families and foreign residents enjoyed the rich flavors of Korean Chuseok cuisine, engaging in warm conversations that bridged language and cultural differences, akin to siblings celebrating the holiday together.

At the auxiliary event area, attendees were greeted with enthusiastic “We Love You!” cheers from WeLoveU members as they arrived. Dressed in traditional Hanbok, international students and multicultural families engaged in a variety of Korean cultural activities. The booths featured traditional games such as Jegichagi (Korean traditional outdoor game), making Dalgona (honeycomb candy), crafting Cheongsachorong (traditional lanterns), preparing Songpyeon (rice cakes), and decorating traditional fans. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah personally demonstrated the process of making Songpyeon and distributed pre-made rice cakes to the students. At the Cheongsachorong booth, she explained the historical significance of these lanterns, traditionally used in Korean weddings to convey a warm welcome. Attendees, engrossed in the activities, visited each booth, creating unique and memorable experiences.

Marlin, an American who recently relocated to Korea, reflected, “During my previous service in Korea as a U.S. soldier, I often stayed behind at the base while Korean soldiers went home for Chuseok, feeling envious. This year is different. Despite our diverse languages and cultures, today I truly felt like we are one family.” Ami, a student from Sierra Leone, noted with a bright smile, “Living in Korea, I often miss my family and parents. Learning how to make Songpyeon from the Chairwoman and feeling her genuine motherly love made me feel very comforted. The experience was enjoyable in every way, and I believe my life in Korea will be even warmer from now on.”

Diplomats stationed in Korea expressed their gratitude for the WeLoveU’s initiative to extend motherly love to the global family and acknowledged the WeLoveU’s broader humanitarian efforts. Oyunbaatar Jagdag, Counsellor at the Mongolian Embassy in Korea, stated, “WeLoveU is not only hosting events like today’s but also organizing a range of humanitarian activities to assist many people. We wish them continued success in their endeavors.”

Lee Hye-joo, a WeLoveU member from Incheon who volunteered at the Korean cultural experience corner, noted, “It is fulfilling to contribute to the unity of people from diverse backgrounds. I hope the love shared today will help these individuals thrive in Korea and overcome any challenges they face.”

As the event came to a close, attendees leaving with WeLoveU’s Chuseok gifts were imbued with a profound sense of warmth and familial generosity, finding the experience more valuable than the gifts themselves.