YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea – Military spouses and soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company visited Yongsan-gu office to make kimchi for people in need, Nov 20.
Volunteers from the Yongsan community participated inthe event to help make kimchi for less fortunate citizens. Approximately 90 people attended the event, including members of Korean Red Cross and the Yongsan Women’s Association. Together, the multicultural volunteers worked side-by-side to make kimchi, guiding the American volunteers in the correct way of making the popular national dish.
Han Young Ja, a member of the Korean Red Cross, expressed her thoughts about the event being conducted with U.S. citizens.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to work with U.S soldiers and Army spouses. It certainly is a unique experience for me and it seemed a bit difficult to communicate, but they are all so cooperative to make it much easier,” Han said. “I sincerely thank all the volunteers here today from the garrison. The event shows a good cause; feed the people in need, so it’s nice to remind us that the U.S. citizens are caring for the Korean society.”
For most of the military spouses it was their first time making kmchi, but they learned the culinary skill andprepared the assigned amount of kimchi – 9,600 boxes. Area II Army spouse Suzanne Murphy commented about the turnout of the Kimchi making event.
“I think doing this kind of work with Korean people makes me more interactive and helps me better adjust to, and understand Korea. It’s good to see the process of how kimchi is made, because it is the most common food in Korea,” Murphy said. “This is an amazing experience in the cultural aspect since we Americans just think of kimchi as something Koreans eat. But being a part of the actual making and part of this event -- which has a wonderful meaning, feed the community -- It’s an unforgettable experience.”