Foreign residents volunteer to feed the homeless at a free meal center near Seoul Station, part of a community service program organized by the Itaewon Global Village Center, Tuesday. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
A group of foreign residents in Seoul volunteered to serve lunch to homeless individuals at Ttaseuhan Chaeumteo, a free meal center near Seoul Station, Tuesday.
The facility, operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, provides daily lunch and dinner to around 350 people in need, including the homeless and low-income residents near the area.
A total of 15 foreign residents from 11 different countries, including Greece, France and India, participated in the volunteer work. Organized by the Itaewon Global Village Center (GVC), the group collaborated with city officials to serve meals.
Katherine Corteza, director of the Itaewon GVC and organizer of the event, emphasized the center's commitment to fostering multicultural awareness through community support service.
"We will continue to plan various activities to support the local community and promote cultural harmony," she said.
The GVC in Itaewon, established in 2008, assists foreign nationals in Seoul with issues they face while also promoting cultural understanding between foreign nationals and locals.
The city government currently operates seven Global Village Centers, including those in Yeonnam-dong, Seodaemun District, Seorae Village, Seocho District and Geumcheon District. These centers provide services such as daily support and Korean language education to help foreign residents adjust to life in Seoul.
In addition, the city government is making efforts to provide broader support to foreign residents, migrant women and workers through several specialized centers. These include the Seoul Global Center in Jongno District, which offers counseling in 13 languages, the Seoul Foreign Resident Center in Yeongdeungpo District and the Seoul Migrant Worker Center in Jongno District.
"The lunch service for the homeless, with the voluntary participation of foreign residents in Seoul, is a meaningful example of their positive impact," said Lee Hae-sun, director-general of the Global City Policy Bureau at the city government, highlighting the significance of foreign residents contributing to the community through volunteer work.
"We will continue to create opportunities for foreign residents to engage with and integrate into Korean society."