For 100 won, beauty shop meets a need

On Tuesdays at Park Ki-deok’s beauty parlor in Daejeon, she caters to a different type of customer.
From 1-6 p.m., Ms. Park runs what she calls the 100 won service. During those hours, she charges customers just 100 won for those who can’t afford regular haircuts.
“I first thought of offering my services for free, but then I didn’t want to offend the people who came,” Ms. Park said.
“Most are young children who are heads of their households or families who live on very low income,” she said. “I think they feel less embarrassed when they pay 100 won.”
Ms. Park, 46, has been running her own beauty parlor for the past 15 years. She not only offers her “Tuesday services,” but also visits senior citizen centers in Daejeon to cut hair and also teaches at department store culture events in her neighborhood.
She began her “100-won Tuesday services” in April, assisted by 29 housewives who had learned hairdressing skills through her classes. About seven to eight of them volunteer on Tuesdays to help her out.
“It’s not much effort, and it gives me great joy to know that I can help others,” said Pak Joo-yun, one of the volunteers. The 100 won coins are collected in a piggy bank which will be donated to charity at the end of the year.
“Thanks to Ms. Park, I can cut my hair often, and it makes me feel younger,” said Lee Jong-wan, 69, who frequently comes to the beauty parlor.
“Happiness is being able to help others with the abilities I have,” Ms. Park said.

by Kim Bang-hyeon