SEOUL, South Korea — S-OIL brought the spirit of Chuseok to local families in need on Wednesday, preparing 450 Chuseok gift packages worth a combined ₩50 million as part of its annual community-sharing program.
The oil refiner held its “Sharing Songpyeon of Love” event on September 16 at its headquarters in Mapo-gu, Seoul, in partnership with the Sarangui Jeonhwa Mapo Integrated Social Welfare Center. About 80 company executives and employees participated in preparing and delivering the gifts.
Songpyeon at the Heart of the Chuseok Giving
Songpyeon — the traditional half-moon-shaped Korean rice cake associated with Chuseok — was among the items prepared for the recipients.
The packages were delivered to low-income households living near S-OIL’s headquarters in Gongdeok-dong, connecting the company’s annual holiday tradition directly with residents in its surrounding community.
S-OIL CEO Anwar Al-Hejazi also participated in making songpyeon alongside employees and other participants.
He said the company wanted to offer comfort and hope to neighbors experiencing difficulties and wished residents a joyful Chuseok holiday.
Saudi Students and Children Join the Celebration
The event also brought together participants from outside the company’s regular workforce.
Saudi Arabian students studying in South Korea and children from S-OIL’s workplace daycare center joined employees in the activity, adding an intergenerational and cross-cultural element to the Chuseok program.
Their participation also provided an opportunity to introduce the cultural meaning of Chuseok and songpyeon to people from different backgrounds.
A Tradition Dating Back to 2007
This year’s event continues a long-running S-OIL community initiative.
According to the company and Korean media reports, S-OIL has organized its songpyeon-sharing volunteer activity every Chuseok since 2007, providing food and holiday gifts to residents facing financial difficulties.
The company’s previous programs show that the scale of the initiative can vary from year to year. In 2025, for example, S-OIL said it prepared 500 Chuseok gift packages worth ₩60 million for low-income households near its headquarters.
Earlier initiatives have likewise included songpyeon and other food or household necessities for low-income residents in Seoul’s Mapo district.
Why Chuseok Makes the Gesture Significant
Chuseok is one of South Korea’s major traditional holidays and is commonly associated with family gatherings, food and sharing with relatives and neighbors.
For people living alone or experiencing financial hardship, holiday periods can also highlight economic and social difficulties. Community programs such as S-OIL’s are therefore aimed at extending holiday assistance beyond individual households.
The company’s latest activity combines that tradition with its ongoing community outreach around its Seoul headquarters.
More Than Just a Holiday Gift
The 2026 event shows how a familiar Chuseok tradition can become part of a broader community-support effort.
From employees preparing songpyeon to Saudi students and daycare children taking part, the activity brought different members of the community together before the holiday.
As Chuseok approaches, S-OIL’s annual tradition is once again turning a simple Korean rice cake into a gesture of community support — with 450 households receiving a little extra warmth for the holiday.
WWC ONE MEDIA G.A
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