Lunar New Year Celebration 2026

On February 17, 2026, LBTO joyfully hosted its annual Lunar New Year Celebration in Seoul, welcoming 58 aged-out young adults for a day filled with warmth, laughter, tradition, and meaningful connection.

For many participants, holidays can often feel lonely and isolating. At LBTO, our Lunar New Year Celebration is about far more than food and activities — it is about creating a space where young adults can experience belonging, encouragement, friendship, and the feeling of family.

The celebration was made possible through the incredible dedication of our staff and volunteers, many of whom are aged-out young adults themselves. Watching former participants return to serve and care for others so wholeheartedly was one of the most meaningful parts of the celebration and a beautiful reflection of the supportive community being built through LBTO.

One especially touching highlight of the evening was the homemade rice cake soup (tteokguk), lovingly prepared by two “eemos” (aunties) who are sisters from the founder’s own orphanage background. Rather than spending the holiday with their own families, they chose to serve the LBTO family with extraordinary love and care. Their kindness and sacrifice deeply touched everyone present.

For several participants, it was the first time they had experienced homemade tteokguk shared together in a family-like setting. Some shared emotional reflections afterward, expressing how meaningful it was to receive a warm meal prepared with love and to celebrate the holiday surrounded by people who genuinely cared for them.

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed traditional Lunar New Year activities, games, fellowship, snacks, laughter, and the beloved sebae tradition — offering respectful New Year bows in exchange for blessings and gifts. Yet beyond the festivities themselves, what truly made the day special was the overwhelming sense of connection, acceptance, and community.

At LBTO, we believe moments like these are deeply important. They remind aged-out young adults that they are not alone — that they are seen, valued, supported, and part of a larger family that cares for them.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the volunteers, supporters, donors, and prayer partners whose generosity made this beautiful celebration possible. Your kindness continues to bring hope, healing, joy, and belonging into the lives of so many young adults.

Together, we are creating more than programs and events — we are building family, community, and lasting hope for the future.

Happy Lunar New Year from the LBTO family!