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Connecting Generations, Opening the Future Together… The 29th Senior Citizens’ Day Commemoration Ceremony Held

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will hold the “29th Senior Citizens’ Day Commemoration Ceremony” today (30th) at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall Auditorium.

Every year on October 2, Korea observes “Senior Citizens’ Day,” established in 1997 to enhance social awareness and respect for seniors while promoting the traditional value of honoring the elderly. Since then, the city has held a commemorative ceremony every October, designated as the “Month of Respect for the Elderly,” to reflect on this significance.

This year’s ceremony is being held under the slogan “Connecting Generations, Opening the Future Together.” It emphasizes communication through understanding and respect beyond generational conflict, with seniors taking on new roles through their wisdom and experience, so that all generations may create a harmonious future together.

The ceremony, attended by approximately 700 people including city officials, senior organizations, and citizens, will proceed with ▲awards for distinguished contributors ▲presentation of honorary walking sticks to centenarians ▲delivery of living support funds to grandparent-headed households ▲report on the results of the “Save Lives” fundraising campaign ▲celebratory performances.

Participants will include Mayor Park Heong-joon, Busan City Council Vice Chair Lee Jong-hwan, Superintendent of Education Kim Seok-jun, Moon Woo-taek, President of the Busan Federation of Senior Citizens’ Associations (the event organizer), senior organization representatives, and awardees.

Before the ceremony, “La Fiesta,” a team of 10 adults and children, will present a Zumba dance performance. With lively rhythms and an energetic stage, the performance will demonstrate passion and harmony across generations, vividly conveying the meaning of this year’s slogan.

First, commendations from the Minister of Health and Welfare and the Mayor will be awarded to individuals, groups, and institutions that have contributed to improving senior welfare in the community. Four exemplary seniors who have consistently worked for the rights and volunteer activities of older people, 13 social workers who have contributed to senior care and welfare, and 4 groups and institutions—a total of 21 recipients—will receive commendations (6 from the Minister and 15 from the Mayor).

Next, in celebration of their longevity, honorary walking sticks (Cheongryeojang), symbols of health and long life, will be presented to seniors who turned 100 years old this year.

In addition, reflecting the commitment of seniors to care for and guide the next generation, the Busan Federation of Senior Citizens’ Associations, with sponsorship from the Korea Housing Finance Corporation, will deliver a total of 10 million won in living support funds to 20 grandparent-headed households. Each household raising children under the age of 18 will receive 500,000 won in support.

Furthermore, the results of the “Save Lives” fundraising campaign, voluntarily raised by members of senior centers under local chapters of the Federation last November, will be shared with the seniors. A total of approximately 64 million won was donated through World Vision to provide medical and living expenses for five premature infants and children with rare, incurable diseases.

Finally, a live celebratory performance will take place in honor of “Senior Citizens’ Day.” The performance will consist of songs that seniors particularly enjoy, providing a time for all attendees to share joy and unity across generations.

Mayor Park Heong-joon will state, “In order for Busan to respond wisely and proactively to a super-aged society, the wisdom and experience of seniors are essential. To this end, our city will strive to create a city where seniors can work and where cultural, sports, and care infrastructure is abundant.”