"Thank You So Much to the Jongno-gu Office Staff"...The Story of a Grandmother Donating Her Entire Savings to the Office Staff?

Elderly Resident of Gyo-nam-dong, Jongno-gu Donates 45 Million Won Saved Over a Lifetime

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] In early May, an elderly woman visited the Social Welfare Department of Jongno District Office. The visitor was Mrs. A (82), a resident of Gyonnam-dong, who came to donate a large sum of 45 million won, which she had painstakingly saved throughout her life.

Mrs. A lived alone for many years after her husband passed away and without children. She made a living working as a housekeeper and cleaner, and in 2004 was selected as a basic livelihood security recipient. In 2015, she became connected with Jongno District through participation in the ‘Maeum Kkoci Pieotda’ (The Heart Has Blossomed) program, which was launched for elderly women living alone.

Kim Young-jong, Mayor of Jongno District

Mrs. A said, “I considered donating scholarship funds for growing students or donations to help neighbors in need like myself, but I want to express my gratitude to Jongno District for selecting me as a recipient and helping me live without worries about food and shelter,” expressing her intention to donate to the Jongno District Office.

She also stated, “Although it may be a small amount to others, it is a large fortune I have saved over my lifetime, so I will use it for the district office that treated me like family during difficult times.”

District Mayor Kim Young-jong expressed deep gratitude, saying, “The elder’s intention is truly noble.” He added, “The 1,200 Jongno District employees have united their hearts to carefully look after the vulnerable neighbors in the community and have worked quietly and diligently. It feels like our efforts are being rewarded. We will use this beautiful gesture in meaningful ways so that the elder’s kind heart will be remembered for a long time,” wiping away tears.

Mrs. A, who moved into a jeonse rental house, donated the 45 million won she received as a rental deposit to the Jongno District Social Welfare Council on June 26.

Meanwhile, ‘Maeum Kkoci Pieotda’ is an integrated case management and self-esteem enhancement program conducted by Jongno District with the aim of helping lonely low-income elderly women bloom like flower buds in their hearts.

The district noted that a high proportion of low-income elderly women suffer from chronic diseases, and physical decline often leads to psychological depression, resulting in reclusive tendencies.

Although social contact through informal support networks centered on family and relatives may be frequent, unlike elderly men, women tend to spend more time at home and have less interaction with neighbors, leading to higher levels of depression. To encourage social participation among these elderly women, the Maeum Kkoci program has been operated.