Preserving History and Sharing Culture Through Service
A Day of Volunteering at Korea’s Oldest Neolithic Site
Last weekend, Spiritus members spent four meaningful hours volunteering at the Jeju Gosan-ri Prehistoric Site Information Center, located in Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju. This center, established on the oldest known Neolithic site in Korea, serves as both a historical and educational landmark where visitors can explore the roots of early Korean civilization.
Recognized as Historic Site No. 412, the area is known for its discovery of ancient pottery and stone tools that date back to the early Neolithic period. Volunteering at such a culturally rich location gave our members the opportunity to support education, community engagement, and cultural preservation all at once.
Supporting Visitors and Staff
During our time at the center, we assisted both visitors and staff in various ways. One of our key responsibilities was helping with visitor registration and providing guidance about the exhibits and facilities. It was fulfilling to welcome guests, answer their questions, and ensure they had an enjoyable and educational visit.
Many visitors were local families, while others were tourists from around the world. To make everyone feel included, we often communicated in both Korean and English. This allowed us to help guests from different backgrounds appreciate the beauty and significance of Korea’s prehistoric heritage.
Maintaining the Site and Preparing Activity Kits
We also participated in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. Our members helped by cleaning walkways and exhibit areas, wiping down benches, and tidying up shared spaces. These small acts helped create a comfortable atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their time at the center.
Another important part of our work involved preparing and distributing activity kits for hands-on learning programs. These kits allowed children and adults to experience aspects of Neolithic life through interactive crafts and simulations. It was rewarding to see visitors of all ages engage with history in such a creative and memorable way.
Organizing Materials and Assisting Programs
Between visitor sessions, we helped organize educational materials such as pamphlets, flyers, and guides, making sure they were neat and easy to find. We also supported the staff by cleaning and resetting tools like bows and arrows used in the interactive programs.
These behind-the-scenes tasks were just as meaningful as the front-facing roles. They ensured that each program could run smoothly for the next group of participants, reflecting our commitment to teamwork and reliability.
Connecting Across Languages and Cultures
One of the most memorable parts of the day was meeting people from different parts of the world. We had the chance to talk with students, families, and travelers who spoke a range of languages, including English and Japanese. These conversations reminded us that history has the power to unite people beyond borders and generations.
Through small exchanges, we learned that cultural heritage is not only about preserving artifacts but also about creating shared experiences that foster understanding and respect.
A Meaningful Contribution
Volunteering at the Jeju Gosan-ri Prehistoric Site allowed us to play a small but important role in preserving and promoting Korea’s ancient culture. Our contributions helped make historical education more accessible and encouraged visitors to take a deeper interest in the country’s past.
This experience reminded us that even simple actions like greeting guests, cleaning materials, or handing out kits can leave a lasting impact. Spiritus will continue to seek opportunities to serve our community in ways that connect people, protect history, and celebrate the values that shape who we are today.
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