A while back, I posted up a blog on Volunteering in Korea to make my foreign brothers and sisters aware of opportunities to get a rewarding change of scenery beyond the usual Saturday afternoon pitching darts and some decent resume experience.     

No, I'm not going to now show you pictures of starving kids and flash a +1.888 number across your screen.  And no, I'm not Mr. Wonderful (but I am Mr. Fantastic) telling you what you should be doing with your time.  I'm just doing as my good friend Ron Burgundy once said:


"I'm gonna just throw this out there; if you like it, take it, if you don't, send it right back"



Photo:  Ron Burgundy contemplates joining a volunteer org in Korea...among other things



Global Village Volunteers

If you are looking for quick and easy volunteer groups with a history of getting foreigners involved in the local community, one of the best resources you'll find is the Itaewon-Hannam Global Village Volunteers.     Join the group online to participate in various activities through the Center and learn about other volunteer activities in Seoul.       Here's a few samples of the Global Village Volunteer community activities to get  you started:

Yongsan Center for the Disabled:  2nd Friday of each month, 2 - 5pm.  Participate in an education program in which you'll help with kids creating small crafts.  Just like a session  at your old summer camp's Arts & Crafts!

Photo:  Me be having my English corrected by students out in the Korean countryside! 

Mannasaem Center for the Homeless:  Last Monday of each month, 10am - 1pm  Working with homeless Koreans, you'll help them through a basic exercise program and then support the food service.  Food & fun are provided for you.  

 
Teaching English for Underprivledged Children in Yongsan:   Teach a short English class once a week for kids in study rooms in the Yongsan area of Seoul.


Other:  The Volunteers also do numerous other activities throughout the year, including Making Kimchi for Charity, Han River Cleanups,  Namsan Cleanups, as well as several donation drives.  Bodies & minds needed!

Photo:  Your author featured in a newspaper article makin' kimchi...

Meteor Youth Volunteer Club

 
Korea Mountain Preservation League (KMPL) Infield Cleanup Work

Towering green mountains, endless vistas, crisp, fresh air, the smell of robust pines and the distant squawks of "Yahoooooo" reverbate throughout the countryside each time you are out with the KMPL.  The KMPL does mountain cleanups once a month.   Get out and do some hiking on one of Korea's beautiful mountains while helping clean up the environment at the same time.  For more information please see the KMPL website.

Video:  Me getting banged in the head at a Korean Baseball game   with those Pink "Boom Sticks" by a bunch of the little rascals from the local orphanage.

International Exchange & Cultural Promotion Institute Youth Volunteer Program

Through the Int'l Exchange & Cultural Promotion Institute, you'll get to work with Korean youth volunteers practising to be English-speaking guides at different cultural sites.  You'll get to visit Jongmyo Shrine and Seodaemun Prison (!), the latter, ideally, as a visitor only.  You can eventually become a foreign volunteer and guide non-Koreans to cultural sites by yourself.  In addition, you'll assist with Korean cultural speaking competitions for children. Click the website link above for more info.

Photo:  Handing out Whopper Jrs. to the non-plussed little whippersnappers at the game

Animal Rescue Korea

Love pets?  But not sure you are ready or able to take one on full time? Every Saturday morning Animal Rescue Korea takes groups of people to an animal shelter in Asan.  Volunteers help with mainanence of the facilities, play with the animals, and will have the opportunity foster or adopt a dog or cat.  You can get further information on the website.


OK, if I've missed a volunteer group let me know at danb@hiexpat.com.  And if anyone who participates in one of the above writes up a short article on their experience, we'll publish it on HiExpat.com to our 27,500+ members, giving you the exposure you need!  And furthermore, I'll buy treat you to as many Itaewon Taco Bell Tacos you can slug down your gullet in one sitting!



Photo:  Taco Bell...isn't it worth volunteering?

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