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September 13, 2010

National Holiday Sharing Love Event for Multicultural Families

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On August 13, 2010, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation held the Chuseok Sharing Love Event for multicultural families. More than 80 multicultural families from seven countries were invited. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and members of the WeLoveU Foundation prepared traditional Korean culture experience like games and food. All the participants, from the oldest to the youngest, created memorable moments together while looking forward to Chuseok.

Holiday with multicultural families

The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, with support from the Seongnam Municipality and the International Association of University Students for Environmental Movement, held the 15th Chuseok Sharing Love Event for multicultural families on August 13, 2010. With the national holiday, Chuseok, coming up, more than 80 international families who lived in Korea gathered in a large conference room in Seongnam City Hall. People of various countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Mongolia, China and Japan, gathered together and created the Chuseok atmosphere.

“If we understand each other, we can be one people and one nation on this earth,” said Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, hoping that all the international participants would enjoy themselves as if they were in their own home countries. The Chairwoman added, “You may have hard times because of cultural differences, so we’ve prepared this event to comfort you on Korea’s biggest national holiday, Chuseok. Although this is small, please take it as big.” Lee Bae-geun, Chief Director of Korea Youth Service Center, attended the event, expressing his wish that it be held more and more to embrace international families, putting aside social prejudices.

Creating memories through the Korean cultural experience

After the opening words from the Chairwoman, the families experienced traditional Korean culture and games. The members of the International Association of University Students for Environmental Movement prepared different booths so the families could enjoy Korean culture, such as Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes), Jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking), and Tuho (an arrow throwing game). The participants had a great time trying Hanbok and learning how to make a beautiful deep bow. In addition, guests took photos and were able to take them home as souvenirs. The room was filled with bright smiles.

Pham Thi Xuan came from Vietnam to visit her daughter and had the opportunity to participate in the event. She was amazed to try on a Hanbok over her traditional Vietnamese clothes. Yang Su-yeon, another guest from Thailand, happily said, “I visited my country just three times during my ten or more-year stay in Korea. Today, I could feel the love of my mother who always takes care of me.”

“Multicultural families are our neighbors”

After experiencing Korean culture, they enjoyed a dinner prepared by WeLoveU members. Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah said, “On Chuseok, Koreans share dishes with neighbors,” and asked them to enjoy what the WeLoveU members prepared wholeheartedly. The table was filled with Chuseok dishes such as Bulgogi (roasted meat), Songpyeon (rice cake), and fruits, prepared with the love of the WeLoveU members for their guests.

Every year, everyone—including those who have immigrated to Korea—makes extensive preparations for Chuseok. However, those who are not from Korea cannot go to their hometowns and come to miss their parents. Inkjimaek, who is the youngest daughter among eight siblings, came from Mongolia three years ago. She said she is reminded of her parents and siblings when she is sick or around the time of national holidays. She showed her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to the help from the WeLoveU members living near my home, I’m now much accustomed to life in Korea.”

We are happy on national holidays because we have our family with us. The participants left the event hall with an armful of gifts and smiles on their faces. Since there’s family love and a mother’s love, this Chuseok will be more meaningful to international families.