Monthly Activities
August 2026

On August 12, 2026 (Wednesday) from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Itaewon Global Village will be visiting the Garden of Gratitude (Located at Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2).

The Garden of Gratitude is a meaningful commemorative space dedicated to honoring the noble sacrifices of veterans from the 22 friendly nations that supported the Republic of Korea during the Korean War. It celebrates Korea’s rapid transformation from a country that once relied on international aid into a nation that now proudly extends aid to others. The garden serves as a bridge to strengthen the bond and future relations between Korea and its ally nations.

During this guided tour, participants will begin by visiting Freedom Hall, the underground media exhibition. participants will explore four distinct media walls—the Memorial Wall, Window of Connection, Archiving Wall, and Stories Never to be Forgotten. Through 13 curated media contents, visitors can deeply experience and express their gratitude to the Korean War veterans. Following this, participants will move to the ground level to freely explore the Light of Gratitude 23. This open-air area features 23 symbolic monuments representing Korea and its 22 allied nations, standing as a tribute to their sacrifice for freedom and peace

The tour is free of charge but registration is a must. Once you have completed the registration, specific details will be sent to you.

To register, fill out the https://bit.ly/gardenofgratitudetour (or scan the QR code on the poster)

Language of Instruction: English

Itaewon Global Village Center and Yongsan Senior Welfare Center will hold a special cultural exchange event, “Global Culture Trip: Experience traditional musical instruments and watch fan dance (부채춤) and traditional singing (창공연) performances.

► Date/Time: August 18th 2026 (Tues) from 10:00 am ~ 12:00 pm
► Venue: Near Hannam Station (Gyeongui Jungang Line)
► Language of instruction: Korean
► Registration: https://bit.ly/Traditionalperformances

Grandmas and grandpas will guide you to experience Korean traditional instrument. We are going to watch Senior Korean Dance Club will perform Fan Dance(부채춤) and Traditional Singing(창공연).

This class will be held near Hannam Station (Gyeongui Jungang Line). The event is free of charge but registration is a must. Please note that since we will be interacting with Korean grandmas and grandpas, foreigners who can speak Korean is a priority.

Once you register, specific details will be sent to you.

Itaewon Global Village Center will help out at Ms. Lindsey Walker's Foreigner & Immigrant Virtual Community Center Food Donation Drive on August 5th and 19th 2026 (both Wednesday) from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Ms. Lindsey Walker is the founder of Foreigner & Immigrant Virtual Community Center, a group that was founded in response to the significant demand for aid in immigrant and foreign communities since 2020. Their goal is to fill gaps in support and act as a safety net for those in our community who require assistance.

They have been collecting food donations all year round and Ms. Lindsey has been sending these out to those who applied to receive some of the donations. As volunteers, we will be helping her to sort out and pack these food donations.

If you want to be one of the volunteers, please fill out the form: https://bit.ly/fooddonation_aug2026

⇒ Volunteer Certificates can be issued if needed. If you have a 1365 ID, please include that and your DOB when you register.
⇒ Please be advised that Itaewon GVC does NOT provide any kind of visa sponsorship, an official invitation for immigration purposes, accommodation, or compensation for these volunteer activities.

Itaewon Global Village Center will hold the “Open Studio: Summer Woven into Rattan"
● Date: August 19, 2026 (Wednesday)
● Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
● Venue: Seoul Museum of Craft Art (Near Anguk Subway Station)
● Fee: Free of charge
● Eligibility: International Residents
● Capacity: Maximum 30 / Limited seats (First-come, first-served)
● Contents: Participants will create a rattan wind chime featuring a delicate dangling bell. Inspired by traditional Korean motifs symbolizing harmony and good fortune, you'll craft your own unique summer decoration using natural rattan and mother-of-pearl. This is a self-guided workshop, with instruction sheets and video guides available. Assistance will be provided if needed.
● Language: Korean (with English translation)
● Registration: https://bit.ly/rattanigvc

Inquiries: Grace (yjheo1@yongsan.go.kr / 02-2199-8884)

Itaewon Global Village Center will hold the “Woodworking Workshop: Wooden Tool Organizer” collaborating with Yangcheon-gu office.
● Date: August 20, 2026 (Thursday)
● Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
● Venue: Eco Space Yeon-yi, Yangcheon-gu
● Fee: Free of charge
● Eligibility: International Residents
● Capacity: 10 seats (First-come, first-served)
● Contents: Participants will create their own wooden tool organizer using reclaimed wood, including fallen and discarded wood and leftover pieces of lumber collected by the Parks and Greenery Department. Through this hands-on woodworking activity, participants will learn how repurposing leftover materials can be both practical and creative, while developing a habit of making and using useful everyday items. This eco-friendly activity offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how small, creative actions can contribute to protecting the environment.
● Please note:
- An apron, mask, gloves, wet wipes, and an eco-bag are recommended.
- Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. White or light-colored clothing is not recommended, as painting or finishing work may cause stains.
-There is no parking available at the venue. Please use public transportation.
● Language: Korean (with English translation)
● Registration: https://bit.ly/igvcwoodwork
Inquiries: Grace (yjheo1@yongsan.go.kr / 02-2199-8884)

Itaewon Global Village Center will help out at the Yongsan Senior Welfare Center on August 20, 2026 (Thursday) from 10:00am to 11:00am. We are looking for volunteers that can join us that day.

One of the programs offered by the Yongsan Senior Welfare Center is an English class designed to help retired seniors continue learning the language. Beyond language acquisition, the class also serves as a meaningful cognitive activity that supports brain function and may help slow the progression of age-related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

As volunteers, we will be assisting the intermediate-level class. Many of the participants previously studied English primarily through textbooks and have had limited opportunities to practice speaking. Our role will be to help them actively use the vocabulary and grammar they have learned by engaging them in conversation exercises. Questionnaires will be provided to volunteers, who will ask the questions, listen to the participants’ responses, and offer gentle corrections in grammar or pronunciation when necessary.

Volunteers will act as English tutors and conversation partners, helping seniors build confidence and improve their speaking skills in a supportive environment. Non-native English speakers are welcome to participate. However, all volunteers should be able to communicate comfortably and clearly in English.

If you want to be one of the volunteers, fill out the form at https://bit.ly/yswcenglish_aug2026

⇒ Volunteer Certificates can be issued if needed. If you have a 1365 ID, please include that and your DOB when you register.
⇒ Please be advised that Itaewon GVC does NOT provide any kind of visa sponsorship, an official invitation for immigration purposes, accommodation, or compensation for these volunteer activities.

Itaewon Global Village Center, together with Korean Food Promotion Institute, is hosting a Korean cooking class on August 21, 2026 (Friday) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Hansik Space Eum (near Anguk Station). This time we will be learning how to make Andong Jjimdak (안동찜닭).

Through this class, we will learn how to make Andong Jjimdak. Andong Jjimdak is a beloved Korean dish that originated in the city of Andong. It features tender braised chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and chewy glass noodles simmered in a savory soy sauce-based broth with a touch of sweetness and spice.

Although it is served hot, Andong Jjimdak is a great summer dish because it is rich in protein and vegetables, helping replenish energy on hot days. In Korea, many people enjoy nutritious hot meals during the summer, following the traditional belief of "fighting heat with heat" (이열치열) to restore stamina and stay healthy during the hottest season. Its flavorful broth and balanced ingredients make it a satisfying meal to share with family and friends.

NOTE: this class is only open to foreign adults (aged 19 and above)

FOOD ALLERGY WARNING: (*Please take note of these ingredients before signing-up for the class. Hansik Space Eum WILL NOT make any changes on the recipe.) The ingredients that will be used for this class is as follows: chicken, carrots, onion, green onions, potatoes, squash, chili, dried chili pepper, rice cake (tteok), glass noodle, sesame oil, cooking oil, soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, sugar syrup, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, black pepper, salt

***NOTE: Chicken is NOT halal certified.

The participation fee for this class is 15,000 won. Advanced payment for the class is REQUIRED. I will email you all the details (including payment details) once you have completed the registration.

**NOTE: 15,000won is for the ingredients ONLY. Teacher's fee etc., are sponsored by Korea Food Promotion Institute.

Language of Instruction: ENGLISH only

If you are interested in this class, kindly register by filling out the form: https://bit.ly/jjimdakcooking_aug2026

Itaewon Global Village Center will help out at the Seodaemun Senior Welfare Center on August 27, 2026 (Thurs) from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. We are looking for volunteers that can join us that day.

Seniors who have been attending Seodaemun Senior Welfare Center has requested Itaewon GVC to gather volunteers who can help them improve their English speaking skills as well as boost their confidence when speaking English language. Hence, they are looking for 15-20 volunteers.

By volunteering, you will be able to help them practice their English speaking skills. You don’t need to be a native English speaker to join. (BUT OF COURSE, THE ABILITY TO CONVERSE IN ENGLISH FLUENTLY IS REQUIRED.) Don’t worry if you cannot speak Korean.

Open to FOREIGN volunteers aged 18 years old and above.

If you want to be one of the volunteers, please fill out form: https://bit.ly/seodaemun_aug2026

⇒ Volunteer Certificates can be issued if needed. If you have a 1365 ID, please include that and your DOB when you register.
⇒ Please be advised that Itaewon GVC does NOT provide any kind of visa sponsorship, an official invitation for immigration purposes, accommodation, or compensation for these volunteer activities

Itaewon Global Village Center will hold a “K-Archery Experience”

· Date/Time: August 28th (Fri) from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
· Venue: Near Gyeongbokgung Station (Line3
· Language of instruction: English
· Fee: 8,000 won

· Registration: https://forms.gle/HNiWu38V5EWpJDs77

Hwanghakjeong Korean Archery Exhibition Hall seeks to inherit traditional Korean archery culture and continue the legacy of Korean archery by operating traditional archery experience programs. Through this time you will be allowed to experience 30 shots by using Korean bows.

※ Minors cannot register for this tour. (Only Adults)

Itaewon Global Village Center will hold the “Korean Infused Liquor Making Workshop (Damgeumju)”
● Date: August 28, 2026 (Friday)
● Time: 3:00 to 4:30 PM
● Venue: A craft studio near Hongik University Station (Hongdae)
● Fee: KRW 25,000 per person (500ml of Damgeumju bottle)
● Eligibility: International Residents (aged 19 and above)
● Capacity: Maximum 15 people / Limited seats (First-come, first-served)
● Contents: Create your own signature Korean infused liquor (Damgeumju) in this hands-on workshop inspired by Korea's long tradition of infused liquors, reimagined with a modern twist. Explore over 30 carefully selected fruits, flowers, and botanicals, and learn about their unique characteristics and stories. Sample a variety of infused liquors to discover different flavor profiles, then choose your preferred ingredients and create your own personalized 500ml bottle by balancing the sweetness and aroma to suit your taste. Take home a one-of-a-kind blend crafted by you.
● Please note: If you have allergies to any fruit, flower, herb, or other botanical ingredient, please let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
● Language: English
● Registration: https://bit.ly/igvc_damgeumju
Inquiries: Grace (yjheo1@yongsan.go.kr / 02-2199-8884)

Itaewon Global Village Center is looking for volunteers to help out at Yongsan Senior Welfare Center. They need volunteers to help at their in-house kitchen on August 14th and 28th (both Friday) from 10:30AM to 1:00PM.

Yongsan Senior Welfare Center is located in Hannam-dong, and they cater to Korean elderly where the elderly can congregate, participate in various activities, and unwind. The center is also home to a cafeteria where elderly folks have their lunch. They feed about 400-500 Korean grandmas & grandpas. They require assistance with food distribution, kitchen cleanup, and helping elderly people with mobility issues. Your assistance is needed because they lack the manpower to help out at the cafeteria.

If you want to be one of the volunteers, register by filling out the form: https://forms.gle/8p3qik4UaDDSacKK9

This activity is open to foreign volunteers aged 18 and above.

⇒ Volunteer Certificates can be issued if needed. If you have a 1365 ID, please include that and your DOB when you register.
⇒ Please be advised that Itaewon GVC does NOT provide any kind of visa sponsorship, an official invitation for immigration purposes, accommodation, or compensation for these volunteer activities.

“Are you new to Seoul?”
“Are you curious about what to see and do in the city?”
“Do you know about all the support services available for foreigners?”

On Friday, September 4, 2026 from 9:30am to 11:30am, we will be having a Living in Seoul Orientation Session at the Itaewon Global Village Center. At this session, you will be able to learn about all the services and cultural opportunities that are out there for foreigners living in this city.

There will be an informative presentation. a Q&A session, and finally refreshments and a chance to mingle with the other guests at the end. All those who attend will also receive a package of brochures, maps, and guides that will help make your life in Seoul a lot easier and more enjoyable.

It is free of charge and anyone is welcome to attend. Please note that the orientation will be conducted in ENGLISH only.

Please fill out the form below and then we will email you all the details once we have received your registration.

Register: https://bit.ly/livinginseoulOT_sept2026