BUSAN — Demonstrating regional solidarity ahead of the colder months, Busan Metropolitan City hosted its signature 2026 Love Kimchi-Sharing Festival on Monday morning at BEXCO Exhibition Center 2.

Celebrating its 16th year, the large-scale charity event brought together roughly 1,000 participants, including Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo, City Council Speaker Kang Moo-gil, corporate representatives, and civic volunteers. Co-organized by the city government, local volunteer centers, and BEXCO, the initiative continues to be a cornerstone of Busan’s winter welfare efforts.

This year, 37 corporate sponsors and institutions contributed a combined 183 million won (approx. $130,000 USD) to fund the drive. Volunteers at the venue rolled up their sleeves to assemble and package 5,000 boxes—totaling 25 tons—of traditional winter kimchi.

City officials confirmed that the provisions will be distributed through 16 district and county volunteer networks to approximately 4,000 vulnerable households, with a particular focus on senior citizens living alone. Beyond nutritional support, welfare workers intend to use the visits to check on the overall safety and well-being of isolated residents.

Addressing the crowd during the opening ceremony, Mayor Jeon expressed profound gratitude to the donors and volunteers. "Your collective dedication ensures that our neighbors can enjoy hearty, warm meals this winter," Jeon said. "Busan will continue working hand-in-hand with our community to foster a tighter, more compassionate safety net for everyone who needs a helping hand."

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