Bapfor Walks the Path of Sharing for 37 Years... Foreign Volunteers Continue to Visit

Bapfor Nanum Movement Headquarters in Cheongnyangni Becomes a "Sacred Site of K-Sharing"
Foreign Volunteers from Over 50 Countries Participate in Service and Donations
University Students and International Schools Actively Engage in Volunteer Activities
Stories of Regular Foreign Volunteers Draw Attention
Bapfor Prepares for Appeal Trial Amid Legal Dispute Over Nonprofit Meal Service
Choi Ildo Expresses Hope for Continued Mission as a Global Symbol of Sharing

'Bapfor Nanum Movement Headquarters,' located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul, is emerging as a 'sacred site of K-sharing' amid a steady stream of visits from foreign volunteers. Since 1988, this organization has provided free meals to homeless individuals and elderly people living alone. It has now expanded its activities beyond Korea, operating 22 branches in 11 countries worldwide, spreading the spirit of sharing and service of the Dail Community across the globe.

According to Bapfor, foreigners from over 50 countries have participated in volunteer work at Bapfor so far. In the past two to three years, participation by foreign tourists, international students, and students from international schools has been particularly notable. Their involvement goes beyond simple visits, as they engage in both volunteering and donating. As a result, Bapfor is becoming recognized as a representative sharing destination in Korea.

In particular, there has been an increase in cases of university students from places such as Hong Kong, Austria, and the United States visiting Bapfor during their trips to Korea. The number of foreign tourists participating in volunteer programs through the travel agency 'Planet Resident Center' is also steadily rising. In July of last year, the Asia and Europe regional manager of this agency personally visited Bapfor, participated in volunteer work, and donated five sacks of rice.

Group visits from international schools are also active. Recently, a total of 44 people, including 38 students and 4 teachers from ECF Saint Too Canaan College in Hong Kong, carried out volunteer activities at Bapfor. Twenty-five exchange students from the University of Texas in the United States helped serve food and clean trays, experiencing the spirit of sharing firsthand. Additionally, 34 people from Hong Kong Sheng Shihua University participated in volunteer work as part of a social contribution program and made a meaningful donation of 1 million won.

The stories of foreign volunteers who visit regularly are also drawing attention. 'Brother Stani' (44), a political refugee and former pianist from Russia, comes to Bapfor about once a month to volunteer. Paula (62), a volunteer from the United Kingdom, has been consistently helping on-site for five consecutive weeks. Bapfor stated, "The sincere service of foreign volunteers deeply moves the local elderly. Even though we speak different languages, communication through sharing happens naturally."

Meanwhile, Bapfor Nanum Movement Headquarters is currently preparing for an appellate trial in its administrative lawsuit against Dongdaemun District Office. Amid legal disputes over the operation of nonprofit meal service facilities, Bapfor won the first trial. The first hearing of the appeal is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Courtroom 311, Annex 1 of the Seoul High Court. The law firm Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (Taepyungyang) is providing pro bono legal support for this case as part of its social contribution efforts.

Choi Ildo, the founder of Bapfor, stated, "Having served marginalized neighbors in Cheongnyangni for 37 years, I earnestly hope that Bapfor will prevail in this appeal as well, so that it can continue its mission as a source of pride for the local community and as a global symbol of sharing."