A Day in the Kitchen: Volunteering to Serve Warmth in Seoul
Sharing Warmth Through Food
On a dry June morning in Seoul, our Spiritus team walked into a community center with sleeves rolled up and hearts open. It was our first day volunteering for a local lunch service program that provides free, home-cooked meals to elderly residents and low-income individuals in the neighborhood.
At first, we didn’t know what to expect. But as the day unfolded, we realized that behind every tray of food was a story of dignity, care, and connection. Each meal was more than nourishment—it was a reminder that kindness can be served one bowl at a time.
Preparing More Than Just Food
The day began early. By 9 a.m., the kitchen was already filled with the sound of chopping, quiet conversation, and the hum of teamwork. Volunteers of all ages students, retirees, and community members stood side by side at long stainless-steel tables, peeling radishes, chopping onions, and slicing tofu.
We were assigned to prepare vegetables for the side dishes: bean sprouts, kimchi, seasoned spinach, and japchae, a sweet potato noodle stir-fry that many of the elderly guests looked forward to. There was a calm rhythm to the work. No one hurried, yet everyone moved with purpose.
An older volunteer looked at us and said, “Don’t just cook. Think about who you’re cooking for.” That simple message stayed with us. It reminded us that cooking can also be a form of respect.
Most of the ingredients were seasonal and locally sourced from nearby farms in Gyeonggi-do. Cabbage, Korean radish, and perilla leaves which are humble and familiar ingredients became something deeply nourishing when prepared with care.
Serving with a Smile
By 11:30 a.m., the first guests began arriving. Many were elderly citizens, their faces showing years of experience and resilience. We carefully placed trays in front of each guest: rice, soup (usually mild seaweed or soybean paste), three side dishes, and a small piece of fruit, often a Jeju tangerine.
Some bowed deeply in gratitude. Others simply smiled or softly said, “잘 먹겠습니다.” One elderly woman told us this would be her only warm meal of the day. That moment struck us deeply and reminded us how something so ordinary a simple lunch could mean so much to someone else.
The atmosphere was gentle and heartwarming. Soft music played in the background while people chatted and laughed. Even though most were strangers, the room felt like a family gathering.
Reducing Waste, Respecting Food
After the meal, we joined the clean-up. Food scraps were collected and weighed to track waste, and we were happy to see how little was left over thanks to careful planning. Even the water used to rinse vegetables was reused for cleaning or watering plants outside.
Through this, we saw how much thought goes into not only preparing food but also minimizing environmental impact. Volunteers shared tips about seasonal eating, reducing food waste, and supporting local agriculture which are small but meaningful ways to live more sustainably.
A Lasting Reflection
As we left the kitchen that afternoon, our clothes smelled faintly of sesame oil and warm broth, and our hearts felt full. We had come to serve meals, but we left with a deeper understanding of what it means to nourish others with food, kindness, and attention.
Volunteering that day reminded us that care begins in simple actions: chopping vegetables, smiling at a stranger, or offering a warm bowl of soup. Spiritus will continue to serve with this belief, bringing people together through compassion, respect, and shared meals that feed both body and soul.
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