A Warm Bowl of Tteokguk, A New Year Filled With Kindness Sharing Warmth with Seniors at Yongsan Senior Club

 On January 28, a gentle warmth filled the air at a senior center in Yongsan, Seoul. 
As steaming bowls of tteokguk (traditional Korean rice cake soup) were brought out, smiles slowly spread across the faces of the seniors. What had once been a quiet room soon became alive with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and New Year wishes.

Volunteers from the Namsan Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group gathered to welcome the New Year by serving homemade tteokguk to 14 elderly residents. Every detail was handled with care—some volunteers tasted the broth one last time, others prepared dishes and arranged tables, all moving together with warm hearts and busy hands.

When the soup was finally served, the seniors took their first spoonfuls and gently nodded.

“It warms me from the inside.”

“Days like this are the best.”

Simple words—but full of gratitude.

The volunteers sat nearby, asking about their health and listening to their stories. With each shared smile and quiet conversation, the atmosphere grew softer and more tender.
What touched everyone most was the seniors’ response as the meal came to an end.

“Please come again next time.”

Some held the volunteers’ hands. Others bowed their heads with sincere appreciation. In those small gestures, the meaning of the day became clear—it was more than just a meal. It was connection. It was presence. It was love.

The volunteers replied with warm New Year wishes of their own, hoping for good health and peaceful days ahead. Many shared that it didn’t feel like ordinary volunteer work—it felt like exchanging New Year greetings with family.

Vice Branch Director Sungseon Choi reflected,

“Of course, providing a meal matters. But what touches us more is knowing the seniors look forward to seeing us and welcome us with open hearts. Next year, we hope to visit even more often and continue building strong connections with our local community.”

A bowl of soup may seem small—but on this day, it carried comfort, companionship, and hope.

Sometimes, all it takes to start the year right is a warm meal… and someone who truly cares.