S-Oil CEO Anwar al-Hejazi (center) speaks to guests at the tteokguk-sharing event in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, Wednesday. (S-Oil)
S-Oil CEO Anwar al-Hejazi (center) speaks to guests at the tteokguk-sharing event in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, Wednesday. (S-Oil)

Korean oil refiner S-Oil on Wednesday held a donation event where the company shared tteokguk, or rice cake soup, with local residents in need to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Seollal.

The event, held at Yeom-li Social Welfare Center in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, was attended by S-Oil CEO Anwar al-Hejazi, along with around 30 employees of the company.

The tteokguk, served by the volunteers, is a traditional New Year dish symbolizing a fresh start. This year, the holiday falls on Jan. 29.

“S-Oil has been hosting the tteokguk-sharing event for over a decade, hoping to help our neighbors welcome a happy new year,” said the CEO. “We will continue trying to promote a culture of sharing and compassion.”

Along with the event, S-Oil donated 30 million won ($20,905) and 150 boxes of gift packages filled with food and daily necessities to the welfare center.

Headquartered in Mapo-gu, S-Oil has been organizing the food-sharing event since 2007, along with various social contribution programs, such as providing scholarships for local students and donating heating oil to residents in need.

By S-Oil shares tteokguk to celebrate Seollal