Korean Culture Brought to Life with Vibrant Buddha's Birthday Celebration at Allendale Senior Living

Music, dance, vibrant decorations and beautifully prepared foods created a rich sensory experience at Allendale Senior Living's recent “A Taste of Korea” cultural and culinary event. The highly attended affair, made possible through the senior living community’s Korean program team, was centered around Buddha’s Birthday – one of South Korea’s most significant national holidays, and featured Allendale’s own in-house Korean chefs making Japchae and traditional side dishes.

The event was a community-wide affair, with several team members contributing and participating in the colorful celebration. Jaeeun Kim, Allendale’s Korean program director, was instrumental in putting this event together. Tiffany Jung, one of Allendale’s dietary aids as well as a highly accomplished dancer who performed at the 1988 Olympic Games, volunteered her talents with a traditional Korean fan dance accompanied by her own musical instruments. Other team members also produced handmade flowers.

“The team here at Allendale put together a truly exquisite event to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday and Korean culture,” said David Gillies, life enrichment director at Allendale Senior Living. “It was a wonderfully enriching program that our residents thoroughly enjoyed – one resident was even gifted a ceremonial Korean gown, which she enjoyed wearing during the event!”

Local students Ethan and Aiden Han also delighted the audience with music, serenading the community on violin and piano with Korean folk songs and American classics.

Allendale has customized their approach to care to make all residents feel welcome and included, highlighted by an entire neighborhood 100% dedicated to its growing community of Korean residents. The Korean program allows residents to celebrate culture and feel at home with a community speaking their language, with residents enjoying authentic amenities including traditional décor, special cultural programming, delicious food and recreational activities. 

At Allendale Senior Living, assisted living residents enjoy a fulfilling, worry-free lifestyle in a charming community with beautifully appointed apartments and gourmet dining. They also have access to the services they need, when they need them, including onsite rehab care at Allendale Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center.