Cheongpa Family Church Hosts a Flea Market Together with Local Residents
residents in its front courtyard in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The event was organized to create a space for community exchange where residents of Cheongpa-dong, young adults and university students, and church members could come together and connect.
A variety of booths offered handmade crafts, accessories, and clothing. Food stalls and a capsule toy event added to the lively atmosphere. With the church courtyard open for anyone to visit freely, a steady stream of local residents stopped by. They browsed the booths, purchased goods and food, and spent time mingling with church members.
One member who attended said, “It was wonderful to spend a beautiful autumn day with my children, exploring the various booths and making good memories. I hope events like this, where families can take part together, will be held more often.”
Second-generation artists also took part and drew attention, presenting works and products they had made themselves and introducing their talents and ideas to local residents and church members.
Cheongpa Family Church Pastor Lee Ju Wan explained how the idea began. “While holding toast-sharing outreach for local residents in front of the church, I often met people who showed interest in the church,” he said. “This flea market grew out of thinking about how residents could feel a little more comfortable with and closer to the church.”
“I hoped the church would be not merely a religious space, but an open place where anyone could come by, laugh together, and connect,” he continued. “This event is meaningful as a first step for the church and local residents to get to know one another.” He added, “Lowering the threshold of the church is not simply about opening the doors of a building. It is about opening the doors of the heart between people. We hope to keep meeting and connecting naturally with our neighbors and to grow into a warm community that practices love in daily life.”
Donations raised through the flea market will be delivered to a children’s home in Yongsan-gu at the end of the year, adding further meaning as visitors’ purchases and participation turn into giving for the local community.
Cheongpa Family Church plans to continue a variety of exchange and sharing activities as an open space where local residents can feel welcome.
