Free Jajangmyeon Sharing for Underprivileged Neighbors by 'Gwanjunghoe', Wins Grand Prize at Seoul Welfare Awards

Announcement of "Welfare Award" Recipients... 10 Selected Including Volunteers, Sponsors, and Workers

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 5th the recipients of the ‘20th Seoul Welfare Awards’ in three categories: volunteers, sponsors, and workers, selecting 10 individuals (organizations) in total.

The grand prize was awarded to the Gwanak-gu Chinese Cuisine Volunteer Association, which has provided free Jajangmyeon to about 60,000 local residents, including elderly people living alone and children, for 20 years, sharing memories and kindness with marginalized neighbors. The association was recognized for continuing its volunteer work for 20 years despite the sharp decline in income among self-employed workers due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 45,200 food service workers participated, and Jajangmyeon worth 59.5 million KRW was provided to local residents.

The top awards by category went to: Robert Taylor, who has led welfare improvement for marginalized groups through operating a foreign volunteer organization and bicycle volunteer activities for the visually impaired for over 10 years; KB Kookmin Card Co., Ltd., which has supported the futures of 786 children and youth with sponsorships exceeding 1.15 billion KRW over 10 years; and Lim Mu-young, director of the Seoul Gangseo Senior Welfare Center, who has devoted 31 years to elderly welfare while playing a pioneering role in improving social workers’ treatment and realizing welfare allowances.

The outstanding volunteer award recipients are Jang Tae-gi, who participated in 255 blood donations and donated hematopoietic stem cells and volunteered for the disabled; and Kang Soon-hee, who participated in 23,629 hours of volunteer work over 16 years and donated all 25 million KRW received as allowances from this work. The outstanding sponsor awards went to Lee Kyung-soo, CEO of Hanseong UL Industry Co., Ltd., who supported the operation and revitalization of vocational rehabilitation facilities for the disabled with over 100 million KRW in sponsorships and free space rental for 16 years; and the Korea Electric Power Talent Development Institute, which has provided in-kind donations for 14 years and held monthly support events for low-income elderly people since 2015.

Kim Sang-han, Director of Seoul Welfare Policy Office, said, “We sincerely thank all the awardees who have continuously supported vulnerable citizens despite the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and economic downturn, which have made people’s livelihoods difficult.” He added, “Seoul will continue to transform into a special welfare city that walks together toward a brighter tomorrow with neighbors in need, welfare workers, and sponsors who have shown the value of sharing and love.”