Warm-hearted 60s Taxi Driver Collects 'First Passenger Income' for Good Deeds

Park Yoon-seok (61), who operates a private taxi in Gwangju, is making a meaningful impact with his heartfelt act of kindness.

For over a year, he has been donating the “first passenger’s fare” collected daily to help neighbors in need within the community.

According to Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, on the 19th, Park started driving a private taxi last July after retiring from over 30 years of public service.

In this second chapter of his life, he established a principle: donating the “first passenger’s fare.”

With a special interest in the local community and a desire to do something for those facing financial difficulties, he made this commitment.

Whether paid in cash or by card, Park carefully saved the fare paid by the first passenger who boarded his taxi each day.

With the 1.2 million won he accumulated, he visited the Unnam-dong Administrative Welfare Center.

He intended to convey his wish for the funds to be used to support neighbors in need within his own neighborhood and village.

He said, “This small promise I made to myself when I started driving a taxi, and putting it into practice, would bring me the greatest joy and fulfillment if it can provide even a little strength and comfort to those in welfare blind spots.”

In accordance with Park’s wishes, the donation will be delivered as Chuseok consolation money to vulnerable groups in Unnam-dong through the Together Gwangsan Sharing Culture Foundation.

Sung Young-jin, head of Unnam-dong, expressed, “We are grateful for this act of sharing that allows neighbors in need of care to have a warm Chuseok,” and added, “The district will also do its best to eliminate welfare blind spots.”