Monk Brings Samgyeopsal to Convent, Personally Grills Meat... What's the Story?

Beopgong Steps Up After Suspension of Free Meal Donations
Draws Attention by Personally Grilling Meat in an Apron

A story has drawn attention after it was revealed that the head monk of a Buddhist temple donated samgyeopsal to a free meal service run by a church for low-income residents, following the suspension of meat donations. The head monk personally grilled the meat for the meal service users.

Oh Youngsoon, a council member of Namgu, Gwangju, announced on the 15th that a charity sponsorship event organized by Munbinjeongsa and Jabishinhaenghoe was held on the 12th at St. Joseph's House (Love Restaurant) in Bangnim-dong, Namgu, Gwangju.

During the event, Beopgong, the head monk of Munbinjeongsa, and a team of Buddhist volunteers hosted a "Meat Task Force" event, providing 20 kilograms of samgyeopsal, which attracted attention.

Beopgong, the head monk of Munbinjeongsa, is grilling samgyeopsal on the 12th at St. Joseph Love Restaurant in Namgu, Gwangju.
Photo by Oh Youngsoon, Namgu Council Member, Gwangju

St. Joseph Love Restaurant, operated by Caritas Sisters, provides free meals to low-income residents solely through donations and volunteer work, without any meal support from local governments. However, due to the economic downturn this year, meat donations have stopped, making it difficult to serve meat side dishes.

Upon hearing this, Council Member Oh requested assistance from a representative of Jabishinhaenghoe, a nonprofit organization. Oh stated, "Although it was a bold request, when I asked Director Kim Youngseop of Jabishinhaenghoe for help, Beopgong and the Munbinjeongsa volunteer team came together."

Additionally, Council Member Oh released a photo showing Beopgong wearing an apron, holding tongs, and personally grilling samgyeopsal in front of the grill. Beopgong and the Munbinjeongsa volunteer team also donated five 20-kilogram sacks of rice to St. Joseph's House in Gwangju.

Beopgong stated, "I prepared this sponsorship to put into practice the Buddhist teaching of compassion in everyday life," and added, "I hope this will not be just a simple meal, but an act that conveys comfort and respect."