Three Centenarians Among 175 Residents in the Village
Highest Number of Elders Over 100 Among 384 Villages in the County
In a village in Onyang-eup, Ulju County, Ulsan, three residents over the age of 100 are drawing attention.
According to Ulju County, at a Parents' Day event held on May 1 in Haseo Village, Onyang-eup, centenarians Im Saenggeum (born in 1923), Kim Duri (born in 1926), and Oh Musik (born in 1926) attended a ceremony celebrating their longevity. All three settled in this village in their teenage years after getting married and have remained there for over 80 years.
Haseo Village is known as a representative longevity village in Ulju County, with the highest number of centenarians among its 384 villages. Although the total population is only 175, three of its residents are healthy elders over the age of 100, showcasing a unique community environment.
According to Ulju County, there are a total of 55 centenarians in the region. However, most of them have mobility difficulties or poor health and often reside in nursing hospitals or care facilities. In contrast, the three elders in Haseo Village are in good health, able to go up and down stairs on their own.
The elders cite the "comfortable and warm atmosphere of the village" as the primary secret to their longevity. Kim Duri said, "There is no place as good as this village. There are no quarrels, and the residents respect the elderly, so I feel at ease." Oh Musik commented, "It is unfortunate that young people these days rarely get married or have children. I miss the days when there were many children."
Ulju County is implementing various policies to promote a culture of longevity and improve welfare for the elderly. Under the "Ulju County Longevity Celebration Gift Provision Ordinance," established last year, the county has been delivering congratulatory gifts to residents who turn 100 starting this year.
County Governor Lee Sungul said, "I am deeply grateful for the contributions of our elders, who have been the driving force behind the region's development. We will continue to do our best to support vibrant later years and to spread the culture of respecting and honoring the elderly."
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