[Photo] Cheongho Buddhist Cultural Center Shares Kimchi Worth 20 Million Won in Nonhyeon 2-dong, Gangnam-gu

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] On the 25th at 11 a.m., at the Cheongho Buddhist Cultural Center Seoul Headquarters in Nonhyeon-dong, as part of the 2021 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Project, 220 boxes of 10kg kimchi were prepared and delivered to the Nonhyeon 2-dong Community Service Center in an event called ‘Sharing Compassionate Kimchi Making’.

Sponsored by the Cheongho Buddhist Cultural Center (Chairman Jongwook Lee), this event omitted the usual process of employees and community center staff making kimchi together due to the impact of COVID-19. Instead, finished kimchi made with eco-friendly napa cabbage and domestic ingredients from Goesan, Chungbuk, a major kimchi production area, was delivered.

The compassionate kimchi, valued at approximately 20 million KRW, is scheduled to be served at the tables of 200 low-income households in the area through the community center staff by the 26th, becoming a source of strength to overcome COVID-19.

Established in 1991 by former chairman Jongdae Lee, who donated 26 billion KRW of personal assets, the Cheongho Buddhist Cultural Center conducts various projects including Buddhist, cultural, and welfare activities. Every year, it donates over 30 million KRW in scholarships to support youth from disadvantaged families, giving hope to future dreamers.

Jongwook Lee, chairman of the Cheongho Buddhist Cultural Center, stated, “I hope the foundation becomes a single Prajna Dragon Boat (般若龍船) that steadily practices love for those in need in the community during these difficult times of COVID-19, helping them cross the sea of suffering.”

Kim Gap-yong, head of the Nonhyeon 2-dong Community Service Center, said, “I sincerely thank the employees and staff of the Cheongho Buddhist Cultural Center for their help to neighbors in need every year, and I hope this winter serves as an opportunity to look around and ensure no marginalized neighbors are left behind.”

The ‘2021 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Project’ is a public-private cooperative fundraising campaign between Gangnam-gu and the Seoul Social Welfare Community Chest to help neighbors in need during winter and to spread a culture of donation and sharing. It runs from the 16th of last month until February 15th of next year.