Restaurant Collects Cash for Charity

Something special was going on at “Gyegyoung Pasture,” a restaurant specializing in fatback dishes in Jamsil, Seoul, yesterday.

The restaurant’s walls were covered with 700 colorful piggy banks.

The banks were filled with coins and notes ranging from 100 won to 10,000 won. Part of the money will be used to help people in need.

The idea of raising money through piggy banks came from the owner of the restaurant, 43-year-old Yang Hoi-seong.

“I introduced the piggy banks to let customers set aside two percent of their bills and use the accumulated money later,” said Yang. “However, we decided to put the money to good use with the consent of customers who visit the restaurant only about once a month.”

With increasing interest and support from his customers, the number of piggy banks rose from 100 in July of last year to 700 as of today.

Yang plans to send part of the raised money and money out of his own pocket to the Angel Rehabilitation Center in Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk.

He started the “Piggy Bank Love project” in 2002 when he opened his restaurant after quitting his day job during the Asian financial crisis.

“When I was an office worker, I was not able to think about other people in need because I was so preoccupied with my own matters. However, after I started the restaurant I realized that there are many who are in need of help, and I decided to give them a helping hand,” he said.

“Love grows when it’s shared,” he added with a bright smile.

Tae-Hun Hwang beetlez@donga.com