MANNAM Volunteer Association in South Korea 2: Love for Taeguek, and Love for Mugunghwa

In Korea, June 6th is Memorial Day for commemorating people who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. On June 6th, Memorial Day of 2009, a public patriotic event was held which one hundred thousand people participated on Yeongdong main-street (blocking eight-lanes) in front of the Coex Mall.  

It was the 54 th Memorial Day, and there 54 volunteer organizations in Korea and abroad participated in and set up many booths as well as prepared many performances. 

MANNAM Volunteer Association became much larger and more known by public through this event, as 54 organizations united. You can see the names of organizations (more than 54 now) on mannam.org.

Actually, MANNAM mainly volunteered around Gangnam, Seoul, unnoticeably, but with a pure heart from 2003. In 2008, a bazaar was held for those in need at the Apgujung, Chungdam elementary school and ten thousand citizens, including local residents participated. Gangnam district office was surprised with the outcome and suggested holding another event together. Finally, 'Love for Taeguek, Love for Mugunghwa' was held!!!

The Biggest Taeguek flag in the World

There were impressive performances and monuments, one of which was the biggest Taeguek flag (Korean national flag) in the world. It was recorded on the Guinness book!

This flag was made by 17,337 people's fingerprint, of which size is 60*40 meter. 

Look at the right picture! Can you imagine how big it is? 

The flag was completed in the square of peace in Olympic park and exhibited in the KEPCO building during the event.

Among 54 volunteer association, there are volunteer groups who share their skills and talents as artists so there were various performances and it was really surprising, touching, even inspiring some people said. 

Also, there was a fun, but meaningful performance, 'Mixing Bibimbap.' Bibimbap is one of the well-known Korean traditional foods, which is a symbol of harmony and balance. 

On the day, Bibimbap for 1,000 people was in a very huge bowl, then VIPs in the event came and mix it wishing Korea society to be in harmony.

During this event, many people including international families learned about not only Taeguek and Mugunghwa but also Korean histories. 

MANNAM did not stop loving for Taeguek, loving for Mugunghwa, and loving for cultural heritage! Many branches are connected to elementary schools and educational centers run by local communities, and yearly have held the event or offered educational programs to teach Mugunghwa and Taeguek,and make people recognize its meaning. 

And Now, we, MANNAM International wants to share each nation's culture and histories as well as each member's stories through communication each other, because when more than 50 organizations became united and MANNAM was born at the beginning, we understood and recognize the importance of culture and histories, furthermore, the value of volunteerism to make the world more beautiful. 

World Peace, and Victoryis started from understanding.And for understanding and communication, there must be 만남 (meeting)! :)