On December 31, volunteers at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, serve meals to the families of victims of the Jeju Air disaster. (Yonhap)
MUAN, South Korea, Jan. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — In the wake of the tragic “Jeju Air Disaster,” Muan International Airport in South Korea became a hub of nationwide mourning and volunteerism.
Over 10,000 volunteers from across the country have provided comfort to the victims’ families, transforming the airport into a place of solidarity and healing.
A Massive Volunteer Effort
From December 29, 2024, to January 6, 2025, approximately 6,000 registered volunteers, along with countless unregistered individuals, offered their time and resources.
Volunteers cleaned the airport, prepared meals, and delivered donated supplies. On New Year’s Day, over 1,500 volunteers forwent traditional celebrations to support grieving families at the airport.
A white food truck operated by a deaf couple from Mokpo served 2,100 cups of coffee and tea to mourners. The couple paused their business for a week to provide this service, saying they wanted to offer a small measure of comfort.
One volunteer, a picture book author from Suwon, distributed 600 white handkerchiefs to bereaved families, symbolically offering to wipe away their tears.
On January 4, a week after the Jeju Air disaster, meal service volunteer activities are taking place at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. (Yonhap)
Support from Across the Globe
Even international volunteers joined the effort. A Korean-American from Seattle, who had previously worked as a flight instructor, flew to South Korea to assist. He helped deliver donations and clean the airport but declined recognition, preferring to serve quietly.
Medical professionals also stepped in. A small herbal clinic staffed by 14 public health acupuncturists provided care to grieving families, treating symptoms like colds, muscle aches, and emotional distress.
On December 31, a psychological support booth for the families of victims of the Jeju Air disaster is set up at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province. (Yonhap)
Generosity from All Corners
Donations poured in from individuals and organizations nationwide. A Seogwipo farming cooperative sent 156 boxes of tangerines, a bakery in Gwangmyeong contributed 79 boxes of bread, and the Seoul city government provided 12 million won worth of medical supplies.
A Lasting Impact
While the families have now left the airport, the overwhelming support they received underscores a collective resilience and compassion in the face of tragedy.
Volunteers like Seo Mi-sook, who has stayed at the airport for ten days, summed up the sentiment: “We just want to ensure no one feels alone.”
The tragedy has brought not just grief but a powerful reminder of the strength of communal care and humanity.
On January 2, at the joint memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air disaster set up at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, a volunteer hands out chrysanthemums to mourners. (Yonhap)
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
