The neighborhood youth dining program Cheongsoyon Kkumteo Maeul Sikdang has run 250 sessions over five years, growing into a community care space where young people find nourishment, connection and support

Children at the fifth-anniversary celebration of the Cheongsoyon Kkumteo Maeul Sikdang youth community dining program in Dobong-gu, Seoul
Children at the fifth-anniversary celebration of the Cheongsoyon Kkumteo Maeul Sikdang youth community dining program in Dobong-gu, Seoul

Dobong-gu in Seoul held a fifth-anniversary celebration Monday for Cheongsoyon Kkumteo Maeul Sikdang, a neighborhood dining program that has served as a reliable refuge and source of hot meals for local youth.

The event brought together young people, residents and volunteers who have supported the program over the past five years to reflect on its journey and cheer on its continued growth.

Cheongsoyon Kkumteo Maeul Sikdang launched in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the simple goal of providing a warm meal to young people in the neighborhood.

Since then, the program has opened its doors every Monday, welcoming any young person to drop in for a meal and a rest. Over five years, it has run 250 sessions and served 11,914 young visitors.

The program goes beyond simply providing food. Staff engage young visitors in conversation, watching for signs of isolation or food insecurity.

It has grown into a community care hub, running programs on youth self-governance, career exploration and mental health — creating a space where young people can feel at ease and thrive.

The fifth-anniversary event was designed to be enjoyed by residents, children and youth alike. The first part featured a meal and commemorative ceremony for local residents, followed by a birthday party and cake-cutting for children and youth.

The ground floor of the Cheongsoyon Kkumteo facility offered food and a relaxation area, while activity booths on the second floor and a water play area on the third floor gave children and youth a range of ways to participate and have fun.

The menu was specially prepared to mark the occasion. The first session featured five-color namul bibimbap and five-color rice cake, while the second offered five-color mini kimbap and five-color egg skewers, along with beef seaweed soup and fruit, letting residents and young people share in the birthday festivities.

Kim Young-ae, director of Cheongsoyon Kkumteo, which runs the youth dining program, said the initiative had come a long way since its humble beginnings. "What started as a wish to give the neighborhood's children a warm meal has now reached its fifth year," she said. "Thanks to the residents, volunteers and supporters who have been with us throughout, this has grown into a space where young people can comfortably come, eat and rest."

Dobong-gu District Mayor Kim Dong-wook expressed gratitude to everyone who has kept the program running. "I want to thank the staff, volunteers and supporters of Cheongsoyon Kkumteo, who have steadfastly provided a solid meal and a warm haven for young people over the past five years," he said. "Just as the saying goes, 'It takes a whole village to raise a child' — Dobong-gu will be a strong support for our youth so they can grow up healthy, surrounded by the care and love of the community."


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