WeHOPE Program Archive
The WeHOPE Program Archive showcases the initiatives and events that have shaped our journey. Here you can explore past projects, community outreach efforts, and volunteer programs that reflect our ongoing commitment to creating positive change in Ulsan and beyond.
*A program is a regularly running initiative designed to make a lasting impact in our community. Unlike one-time events, WeHOPE programs operate continuously or seasonally, providing ongoing opportunities for volunteers and participants to connect, learn, and support those in need through structured, long-term efforts.
Ulsan Orphanage 2007-2020
Our monthly program with the Ulsan Orphanage began in 2007 and ran until the beginning of the pandemic, bringing volunteers and children together through play, creativity, and care. With over 130 children from newborns to college age, the program offered countless opportunities for connection and joy — from sports and arts and crafts to simple moments of laughter and friendship. Though the program has since concluded, its impact continues to live on through the memories, relationships, and positive change it inspired in both volunteers and the children they served.
Ulsan Nambu Police Language Exchange (March 2018-February 2019)
The WeHOPE Police Language Exchange Program brought together Ulsan police officers and native English speakers every Tuesday for meaningful language and cultural exchange. Supported by the local police department — which generously provided lunch for all participants — the program created a welcoming space for open communication, mutual understanding, and community connection. Though it has since concluded, the program remains a proud example of how dialogue and shared experiences can bridge both language and cultural divides.
The Lotus Center 2011-2019
The WeHOPE Lotus Center Program, launched in 2011, was created to support autistic children at the Lotus Center — a facility run with the help of Hainsa Temple. Designed to provide a space where children could comfortably interact with foreigners, the program offered a unique outlet for expression through English and total body response activities. Each week, volunteers led sessions filled with songs, dance, arts and crafts, science experiments, and cooking, helping the children build confidence and find joy in communication and creativity. Though the program has since ended, its spirit of inclusion, expression, and connection continues to inspire the work WeHOPE does today.
Youth Mentor Program
The WeHOPE Youth Mentorship Program connected local mentors with children from multicultural families across Ulsan, offering friendship, guidance, and learning opportunities. Meeting weekly, mentors helped students with homework, practiced English, and shared everyday conversations that built trust and confidence. Each month, the entire group gathered for fun activities such as bowling, picnics, rock climbing, and day trips — creating lasting memories and meaningful cross-cultural friendships. Though the program has since ended, its impact continues to be felt in the bonds it formed and the community spirit it nurtured.
Multicultural Family Center
The WeHOPE Multicultural Children’s Program was created to support and connect children from multicultural families through friendship, inclusion, and fun. Using task-based activities and English storybooks, volunteers provided engaging learning experiences while serving as positive role models. Although the program has since concluded, its legacy lives on in the friendships formed and the spirit of understanding and cultural exchange it fostered within the community. This program was in conjunction with the Ulsan Jung-gu Multicultural Family Center.
Namgwang Orphanage
The WeHOPE Namgwang Orphanage Program took place on the fourth Sunday of each month, bringing volunteers and children together for afternoons filled with laughter, learning, and care. Activities often included outdoor games, sports, and English-based play, followed by shared snacks and refreshments. With around ten children between the ages of three and eight, the program provided a warm, supportive environment where volunteers could make a meaningful difference through simple acts of kindness. Though the program has concluded, it remains a cherished part of WeHOPE’s history of community connection and compassion.
Nurimter Women's Shelter
The WeHOPE Women’s Shelter Yoga Program offered a weekly hour of calm, strength, and self-care for women in need. Led by a dedicated volunteer, each session promoted physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being through the practice of yoga. Though the program has since ended, its message of empowerment and healing continues to reflect WeHOPE’s commitment to supporting and uplifting every member of the community.
D-KUMFA
WeHOPE's partnership with the Daegu Korean Unwed Mothers and Family Association (D-KUMFA) supported one of South Korea’s most vital organizations assisting single and low-income mothers, families, and adoptees searching for their roots. D-KUMFA operates women’s shelters and provides essential baby boxes—up to 150 each month—to help families care for their children. They also host regular workshops, parenting programs, and activities for children while partnering with other single-mother organizations to broaden their reach. Though WeHOPE’s active involvement has concluded, we remain inspired by D-KUMFA’s tireless volunteer spirit and commitment to empowering mothers and families across Korea.
North Korean Mother's English Tutoring and Discussion
WeHOPE volunteers, in collaboration with the local police station, developed and supported a special program to help North Korean mothers learn English and build confidence in their new community. Through friendly, supportive lessons and cultural exchange, the program provided a safe space for participants to practice language skills, share experiences, and connect with others. This initiative not only strengthened communication but also fostered understanding, empowerment, and a sense of belonging for the mothers involved.
Gwangan International Community Fair
The Gwangan International Community Fair was a monthly gathering in Busan hosted at Gorilla Bar & Restaurant, bringing together a lively mix of foreign and Korean vendors. Stalls featured handmade goods, small-batch foods, services, and community projects, creating an easy space for neighbors to meet, chat, and collaborate. Beyond shopping, the fair worked like a social hub—newcomers found local connections, locals discovered global flavors and ideas, and small businesses got a friendly platform to grow. In short, it wasn’t just a market; it was a regular celebration of Busan’s diverse community coming together under one roof.
Ulsan Foreigners Market
The Ulsan Foreigners Market was a community pop-up hosted at Sticky Fingers Bar, where international and Korean vendors set up lively stalls packed with handmade crafts, global bites, vintage finds, and small-business services. More than a market, it felt like a neighborhood meetup—newcomers swapped tips on life in Ulsan, locals discovered new flavors and ideas, and creators found an easy platform to share their work. With music, friendly faces, and a relaxed pub vibe, the event turned Sticky Fingers into a welcoming hub that brought Ulsan’s diverse community together, one conversation (and snack) at a time.
Busan Foreign Culture Market
The Busan Foreign Culture Market stretched across three welcoming venues—HQ, Beached Bar, and Owl & Pussycat—turning the neighborhood into a walking festival of flavors, crafts, and stories. International and Korean vendors set up cozy stalls with handmade goods, global bites, art prints, and community projects, while friends drifted between bars to catch live sets, swap tips, and discover new favorites. More than a market, it felt like a rolling meetup—each stop offered a different vibe, but the same friendly spirit—giving newcomers an easy way in and giving local makers a vibrant stage. In the end, it wasn’t just shopping; it was Busan’s diverse community coming together, one conversation (and snack) at a time.