Gwangju City Vows to Become Korea's Model of Filial Piety

Parents' Day Ceremony Held at Bitgoeul Senior Health Town
Commendations for Exemplary Parents... Guerrilla Concert Also Featured

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong attended the '53rd Parents' Day Ceremony' held on the morning of the 8th at Bitgoeul Senior Health Town in Nam-gu and took commemorative photos with award recipients. Provided by Gwangju City

On May 8, in celebration of Parents' Day, Gwangju City held the '53rd Parents' Day Commemoration Event' at Bitgoeul Senior Health Town in Nodo-dong, Nam-gu. The event was attended by over 1,000 people, including Mayor Kang Gijeong, Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Lee Jeongseon, and Vice President Joo Byeongjin of the Gwangju branch of the Korean Senior Citizens Association.

The program included a time of gratitude during which carnations were presented to five of the oldest seniors aged 90 and above, awards for exemplary parents, model filial children, and individuals who have contributed to the community, commemorative and congratulatory speeches, and a choral performance of 'Mother's Grace' by the Gwangju City Choir.

In particular, during the segment titled 'Ode of Gratitude: The Voice of All of Us,' delivered by ten invited guests on behalf of the community, all Gwangju citizens collectively expressed their appreciation and respect for the parent generation.

On this day, Mayor Kang personally pinned carnations on the seniors and presented awards to individuals and organizations recognized for their exemplary parenthood, contributions to filial piety, and efforts to enhance senior welfare. Seventeen individuals and three organizations received commendations, including Lim Gongsun, who was honored as an exemplary parent, and Kim Changkil and Song Okju, who received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award for their filial conduct.

Mayor Kang stated, "I sincerely congratulate everyone on the 53rd Parents' Day. I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to the seniors who have endured hardships while revitalizing the economy, establishing democracy, and raising children in their youth. Now, Gwangju City will become Korea's representative model of filial piety so that you may live your life for your own joy and happiness."

A variety of side events were also held. In the square in front of the Health Town gymnasium, various local organizations participated to provide a wide range of attractions and hands-on experiences. These included a guerrilla concert, health and experience booths, sales of senior job products, a flea market, free bicycle inspection services, policy information on Gwangju-style integrated care and Gwangju G-Pass, as well as campaigns for dementia prevention and elder abuse prevention. Through these diverse activities, the event became a venue for generational and regional integration, created by the local community together.

Meanwhile, Gwangju City, certified as an age-friendly city by the World Health Organization (WHO), is striving to build a 'Healthy and Vibrant City of Gwangju, where dignity and tomorrow coexist.' This year, the city is investing a total project budget of 944.5 billion won (an increase of 76.8 billion won from the previous year) in five areas and 53 detailed projects: jobs and economic activities (160.3 billion won), culture, leisure, and social participation (23.7 billion won), smart care and welfare (654.3 billion won, including 623.7 billion won for basic pensions), health and nursing care (92.2 billion won), and improvement of living environments (14 billion won).