“70년 만에 다시 입은 교복”…구곡순담 장수 어르신들의 ‘100세 잔치’

On the 15th anniversary of the Gukhoondam 100th Birthday Celebration, 96 couples aged 80 and older walked into the event wearing black graduation gowns. The celebration, named after the Korean phrase for "Gukhoondam," brought together elders from the cities of Gukje, Gochang, Sunchang, and Damyang. The couples, holding hands, entered the venue while smiling happily, their expressions ranging from joyful to serious.

The dignitaries of the four regions wore "leading officer uniforms" marked with "officer" and participated in the event. Kim Chul-soo (86), an elder from Gochang, shared that attending such gatherings with other lonely seniors is a precious opportunity to share stories and laugh together. At the Gochang Cultural Sports Center, the 48 couples, consisting of 4 couples from each of the four regions, gathered for the annual senior citizen festival.

The theme for this year's celebration was "Life is a blessing when you laugh." The elderly attendees enjoyed the festivities, posing for photos wearing their graduation gowns and heart interlocking with each other. Hye-tae (85) from Gukje expressed his delight at receiving such recognition after a long life. Sae-Soon (85) from Sunchang brought her three daughters and granddaughter to celebrate the joy of aging alongside her husband.

As the couple received a bouquet of flowers, they exchanged gifts, and family members captured the moments. Three of the four participating regions are known for having a higher percentage of centenarians compared to the national average. Recent statistics from the National Statistical Office show that in 2025, out of every 100,000 people in former North Jeolla Province, there were 31.8 individuals aged 100 and above, ranking first among all metropolitan and provincial cities.

The Gochang elders attributed their longevity to consistent exercise, a balanced diet, a positive mindset, and meaningful conversations. One of the leading couples from Gukje, Han-gwang-seok (90) from Gukje, took the stage and expressed his pride in reaching 90 years of age, promising to remain healthy and happy for the next decade.

Dr. Seok-yeop, chairman of the Gangwon Provincial Office of the National Pension Service, remarked on the pleasant faces of the healthy seniors, hoping many more people would live healthy lives into their 100s.