Gwangju Buk-gu Provides Longevity Gifts to Centenarians

For 20 Centenarians...
Promoting a Culture of Respect for Elders

Gwangju Buk-gu Office building. Provided by Gwangju Buk-gu

Buk-gu District in Gwangju Metropolitan City is honoring centenarians turning 100 years old this year by providing congratulatory gifts worth 500,000 won, promoting filial piety and supporting their healthy daily lives.

On January 13, Gwangju Buk-gu announced that it would deliver congratulatory gifts to 20 seniors turning 100 years old this year to celebrate their longevity.

The "Centenarian Congratulatory Gift Program" is a special initiative launched last year to foster a culture of respect for elders within the local community. To implement this program, Buk-gu amended relevant ordinances and established solid legal and administrative grounds by consulting with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and negotiating the introduction of a new social security system.

The program targets residents born in 1926 who have maintained their resident registration and actual residence in Buk-gu for at least one year and are turning 100 years old this year. A budget of 10 million won, raised through the Hometown Love Fund, has been allocated for this initiative.

This year, the list of gift items has been expanded from the previous four types (heated mattress, air purifier, dehumidifier, and bedding set) to six, adding electric rice cookers and senior walkers, in order to better reflect the actual needs and preferences of the seniors and provide a wider range of choices.

The distribution process involves each local administrative welfare center sending individual notifications to seniors approaching their 100th birthday. The seniors themselves or their representatives can then submit an application, after which eligibility is reviewed and the gifts are provided.

Moon In, Mayor of Buk-gu District, stated, "This program is an expression of gratitude to the seniors who have devoted their lives to the development of our community," and added, "We will continue to provide comprehensive welfare support so that our seniors are not marginalized and can enjoy healthy and vibrant later years."