An Elderly Person Who Paid for Soldiers' Gukbap Saying "You Are Working Hard"... Shop Owner Offers Free Drinks as Service

"Feeling Rewarded for Military Service"

A heartwarming story has emerged about an elderly man who paid for the meal of an Army soldier dining alone at a gukbap restaurant.

On the 23rd, the Facebook account "Army Training Center Delivered on Behalf (Yukdaejeon)" shared the story of soldier A, who serves in a brigade under the Army Special Warfare Command.

[Image source=Facebook account 'Yukgun Hullyeonso Daesin Jeonhaedeurimnida']

A, who is in his first year of service, began by saying, "A few days ago, during my year-long military service, there was a moment when I felt the proudest wearing my uniform." According to A, after returning from a regular leave last week, he was having a meal at a nearby gukbap restaurant before returning to his unit. During the meal, an elderly man sitting across from him noticed his military uniform and asked questions like, "Are you serving nearby?" and "How much longer do you have left?" The man then stood up after saying, "Thank you for your hard work." The restaurant owner, who witnessed this, also offered A a free drink, saying, "Thank you for your hard work."

A said, "I was very grateful and proud just from that," and added, "I bragged to my comrades and went to the cashier, only to find out that the elderly gentleman had already paid for my meal." He continued, "Throughout nearly a year of military service, I have always taken pride in fulfilling my duty as a male citizen of the Republic of Korea, and I have always been proud of the uniform I wear. But this time, it felt like all my military service was rewarded."

In conclusion, he said, "Whether at the front lines or the rear, many young and fresh soldiers are still working hard to defend our country, and knowing this in some way helps me endure each day." He added, "I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude once again and to say 'Fighting' to all soldiers currently serving as summer approaches."

Netizens who read the story responded with comments such as, "Thank you for protecting our country," "Take care of your health in the heat and have a rewarding military service," "The world is still worth living in," and "Respect for the uniform makes our military stronger."