South Chungcheong Province holds summer support event for elderly residents

South Chungcheong Province held the first event embodying the "Loyalty, Filial Piety and Courtesy" spirit — the initiative Gov. Park Soo-hyun approved as his first official act when the province's ninth elected administration launched July 1.

The province hosted the "2026 Healthy Summer Support Project for Senior Citizens" on Tuesday at the Baekje Indoor Gymnasium in Gongju, with about 250 people in attendance, including Gov. Park, Gongju Mayor Choi Won-cheol, South Chungcheong Senior Citizens' Association President Kang Chun-sik, South Chungcheong Community Chest of Korea Chairman Seong Woo-jong, donors and volunteers.

Organized by the Korea Senior Citizens Association, the event was part of the "Hope Summer 착!착!착!" sharing campaign run by the South Chungcheong Community Chest of Korea. It proceeded in order with a donation ceremony, an induction ceremony for three new Honor Society members, a "Good Workplace" membership signing, and the packing of summer support kits.

At the event, Park said, "This event today — Tuesday — is the day we put into practice the 'Loyalty, Filial Piety and Courtesy' spirit of South Chungcheong, which I approved as my very first act on the day I took office." He added, "We will look after our senior citizens through the heat of summer with the heart of a child, and be their most steadfast support and a cool shade."

Park went on to say, "The 50 million won ($32,500) donation from Inselderm, the 10 million won donation from Korea Western Power, and the three new Honor Society memberships will serve as a catalyst for spreading the culture of giving that South Chungcheong is leading." He said, "This is a sincere commitment by the public and private sectors together to look closely after the lives of our residents, and a realization of community values."

Park said the province would "pursue proactive and thorough welfare policies to prepare for a super-aged society, including expanded care services, greater social participation and vibrant leisure support." He added that the province would "embed the spirit of 'Loyalty, Filial Piety and Courtesy' in all provincial affairs, spread a culture of respect and consideration for senior citizens throughout society, and build a people-centered South Chungcheong that connects."

Park then joined attendees in a volunteer activity, packing 2,000 summer support kits, each containing 11 items including samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), pre-cooked rice and pain-relief patches.

The packed kits are set to be delivered in July to elderly residents vulnerable to heat waves, including those living alone and low-income senior households across the province's cities and counties.

Meanwhile, the province is pursuing a range of senior welfare policies in response to the super-aged society, including a customized elderly care service, an emergency safety and reassurance service, and a home visit health management project.