Senior Celebrations Held at 15 Community Centers on May 8
Thirty Exemplary Seniors Recognized for Contributions
Honoring and Expressing Gratitude to Elders
On May 8, Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Kyungho) held an event to celebrate the 53rd Parents' Day.
The event was an occasion to honor and express gratitude to the senior citizens of the district.
The event took place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at each of the 15 local community centers. Pre-event performances tailored to each neighborhood, such as Korean traditional dance, disco janggu (drum) performances, and children's talent shows, were held.
An awards ceremony was also conducted. Commendations were presented to 30 individuals, including exemplary seniors, contributors to welfare, and those recognized for filial piety, for their efforts in community development and the enhancement of senior welfare.
In particular, Sobokhui, a senior citizen from Jayang 1-dong who received an award, was recognized for her longstanding devotion in caring for her mother-in-law, demonstrating filial piety. She also set an example in the community by preparing and delivering side dishes to neighbors in need and actively participating in cleaning activities.
A "Hyo Package" presentation ceremony was also held. The Hyo Package is a gift bag containing ▲convenient meal replacements ▲health foods ▲snacks and beverages, with the contents varying by neighborhood. The packages were delivered to approximately 3,300 low-income seniors, wishing them good health and longevity.
One senior citizen who attended the event said, "With the economy being so tough these days, there haven't been many reasons to smile, but receiving flowers and watching performances like this made me feel happy and younger."
Additionally, on this day, the district received the "Outstanding Contribution to Senior Welfare Award" for the second consecutive year from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, in recognition of its "Capsule-in-Senior Welfare Card" project, which supports seniors in emergency situations. Gwangjin-gu was the first in the country to introduce the Senior Welfare Card in 1996, designating senior-friendly businesses and leading the way in promoting filial piety in the community. Last year, the district carried out an innovative upgrade of the Senior Welfare Card for the first time in 18 years. Information on senior-friendly businesses is now provided via QR code on the card, and capsule-type features with guardian contact information and health data have been added, which has been credited with improving seniors' ability to respond to emergencies.
Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, stated, "The prosperous and convenient life we enjoy today is possible thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of our parents' generation. Respecting and being grateful to our elders is a fundamental attitude for the younger generation," adding, "We will continue to actively support our seniors so they can enjoy a healthy and happy later life, based on the principles of respect and filial piety."
The district is also working to enhance senior welfare through customized services to prevent solitary deaths, strengthened integrated care, improvements to senior centers, and fall prevention support.
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