Bring on the bazaar buzz

Rehabilitation center invites DIS and local community for festive fun

Anna Yoon, Section Editor

November 20, 2024

Residents of faith hall gather together for a picture to capture the exciting moment, their hands full with all the goods they bought.

A convivial atmosphere warmed up the chilly autumn air of Seongbo Rehabilitation Center on October 17, for its annual festival. The local facility, located adjacent to Aayang Bridge, houses up to 134 residents with various disabilities and provides a safe environment that accommodates their different needs.

Each year, the directors fill the calendars with many events to engage the residents, and last month, the center’s “Community Festa” marked the elders’ calendars. People from all around town participated and contributed to the success of the 2024 “Happiness Sharing Bazaar.” Some even brought in their goods to be sold at the booths set up all around the front courtyard.

Ms. Moon, the director of the facility and a member of the organization committee shared a brief account of the history of the bazaar and this year’s highlights. “There wasn’t a specific reason for starting it, but government subsidies partially fund our facility, and honestly, that’s not enough; it’s challenging to manage with those funds alone. That sparked the idea—to help cover heating costs and support the residents so they can live more comfortably and happily. Each year we have clothes and food items at the bazaar, but this year we have a lot of agricultural produce as well. We also have bulgogi (불고기), udon (우동), yukgaejang (육개장), and bungeoppang (붕어빵) this year, so there’s a lot more variety,” she said.

Stands filled with hand-me-down goods and farm-to-table dishes line the front lawn of the center. Both visitors and residents enjoy the moment to its fullest, hand in hand with families and friends. (Maria Park)

Members of Minds and Hearts United (MHU) also took part in the celebration and added to the abundant list of treats and trinkets with donations of their own. The club, created in the 2024-2025 school year by senior Anna Yoon, aims to enhance awareness of disabilities and actively spreads this message through their occasional visits to Seongbo. In fact, this wasn’t the club’s first time at the center.

Back in August, MHU and the Disabilities Awareness Club (DAC) worked together to raise over 1,500,000 won through a dress-down day, and the two clubs met at the institution for a donation delivery ceremony of the funds and goods purchased with half of the proceeds. This time, seniors Maria Park, Elisa Triolo, and Anna Yoon joined the locals for their second visit of the year with homemade sweets and homegrown vegetables.

“Our aim is to of course donate and spread awareness about disabilities whether it is mental or physical, and so by being here by supporting, and by donating money or necessary materials, we can do that. And raising awareness is not just about, oh here they are, like, it’s about saying here they are, but they are just like you but just need maybe a little extra help in some areas,” said Elisa Triolo, the vice president of the club.

A resident shares warm Bungeobbang stuffed with red bean paste, a kind gesture that softens the chill of the fall breeze. (Maria Park)

The bazaar provided an opportunity for locals and residents to interact with the members of Seongbo Rehabilitation Center. “Our residents are people with disabilities, and without the help of non-disabled people, they wouldn’t be able to participate in community events. This bazaar gives them a chance to engage with the local community as its members. I think it has a positive impact on our residents by helping them feel more connected and included in the community”, Moon said.

Many families from the neighborhood joined in on the festivities as well. The Kim family first found out about the event through a poster that was hung up on their apartment notification board and decided to visit. “This bazaar seems like a great event. I knew there was a center for people with disabilities in the area, but I usually never come around here, “Mr. Kim said. “But coming here today, I can see that the facility is well-organized and really impressive. Wishing all the best to the residents and the directors.”

A visitor stops by a clockmaker’s booth to get their watches looked at. This year, many locals offered to donate their talent to contribute to the bazaar’s success. (Elisa Triolo)

The joyful celebration lasted until 9 p.m. and raised a total of 18,000,000 won, all of which went to facility renovation and future event planning. Overall, the festival boosted connectivity between the Seongbo family and the local community. DIS’ Minds and Hearts United wishes to extend this effort through their upcoming visit on Nov. 24, in which they will organize exciting arts and crafts activities to prepare the center for the Christmas spirit.

About the Contributors

Anna Yoon, Section Editor

DIS veteran Anna Yoon embarks on her final chapter of highschool as an editor for the Flyover. Through the articles she pens for the school newspaper, she provides interesting and thought-provoking sneak peeks into the lives of other people. Having already been recognized as a “Best of SNO” writer in her first year, she now turns to also help other students polish their work.

Maria Park, Photographer

Maria Park, a new photographer for the Jets Flyover, aspires to bring fresh perspectives to daily moments. Outside of photography, she grew a fervor in crocheting. You’ll often find her designing crochet patterns or crafting pieces with her favorite indie bands blasting in her headphones.

Elisa Triolo, Writer, Illustrator, Broadcast Journalist

Now in her senior year, Elisa Triolo takes the world by storm with her enthusiasm and creativity. She shares her strong opinions in her craft with conviction and whimsical humor. Her voice pulls you through an emotional rollercoaster with smooth richness. A philosophical enigma, she journeys through the throes of possibilities outside of the regular box we live in.