Gangwon-do Selects Choi Gye-suk from Cheorwon-gun for the 51st Sinsaimdang Award

Leading Traditional Events Such as the Tea Ceremony
Award Plaque to Be Presented by the Governor at the June 12 Ceremony

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on the 15th that Choi Gye-sook (65 years old) from Cheorwon-gun has been selected as the recipient of the 51st Sinsaimdang Award.

Choi Gye-sook. Photo by Gangwon Provincial Government

The Sinsaimdang Award was established by Gangwon Province ordinance to honor the noble spirit of Sinsaimdang and to enhance the pride of women in Gangwon. It is awarded to women who have contributed to the development of local communities and traditional culture, with a total of 81 recipients selected to date.

The 51st awardee, Choi Gye-sook, has spread the traditional virtues of our nation?‘Loyalty, Filial Piety, and Courtesy’?in the region, leading traditional events such as the Peaceful Unification Prayer Tea Ceremony and the Hapsoo Festival, which embody love for the country and hopes for unification.

Currently, as the president of the Cheorwon-gun Women’s Association Council, she continues various volunteer activities including scholarship projects and support for foreign migrant women and marginalized families, taking the lead in promoting women’s rights.

The recipient was finally selected through an in-depth review process involving the examination of official documents and on-site investigations of candidates recommended by mayors and county heads within Gangwon Province at the ‘Sinsaimdang Award Recipient Selection Committee’ held on April 8.

Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, “Sinsaimdang was a figure who transcended the limitations of her era as an artist, educator, and a subject of life,” adding, “The Sinsaimdang Award is a meaningful honor that commemorates her spirit and rekindles the pride of Gangwon Province.” He further said, “I hope that the life of Choi Gye-sook, who has practiced the spirit of Sinsaimdang, will deeply move and inspire all residents of Gangwon Province.”

Meanwhile, the 51st Sinsaimdang Award ceremony will be held on June 12 at the Gangneung Art Center, where the recipient will be presented with a plaque from the Governor of Gangwon Province.