[Yonhap Imagine] Korean history of love and service

In the wake of the Korean War (1950-1952), numerous volunteer workers and foreign aid helped reconstruct Korea in difficult times. With their sweat, Korea was able to grow into a powerful economy.

Korea -- a country that once received relief in ashes -- has now evolved into a nation that provides help to other developing countries.

Even as an advanced economy, the country still has disaster-struck regions and marginalized communities that need help. The love and service from warm hearts have become a significant support for neighbors in need, fostering mutual development.

We have gathered representative photos of communal love and service that have passed down from the past.

▲ 1952 People unpack clothing donated by the American Red Cross during the height of the Korean War. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security)

▲ 1956 Residents receive meals at the Salvation Army’s soup kitchen run by the health ministry. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security)

▲ 1960 The Christian World Service delivers Christmas gifts to children. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security)

▲ 1964 Citizens donate funds to the Salvation Army’s charity pot in the year-end. (Yonhap file photo)

▲ 1971 Medical volunteers serve in rural areas lacking medical facilities and resources. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security)

▲ 1985 Ministry of Defense employees volunteer to help with rice harvesting in rural areas. (Yonhap file photo)

▲ 1995 Volunteers prepare meals and beverages for injured survivors from the collapse of Sampoong Department Store. (Yonhap file photo)

▲ 2014 Members of a global relief volunteer organization, consisting of Gyeonggi Province governor and employees of the Korea Electric Power Corp., provide meals and hygiene products to residents in a Manila slum in the Philippines. (Yonhap file photo)

▲ 2014 Female Yakult vendors (“Yakult ajummas”) convene in Seoul Square and prepare kimchi to be delivered to low-income households. (Yonhap file photo)

▲ 2023 Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co. hosts the 30th-anniversary celebration of the guide dog program for the visually impaired, showcasing prospective guide dogs. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance)