17 exemplary seniors and contributors honored with district mayor commendations, including one Ministry of Health and Welfare ministerial citation
Seoul's Seongbuk-gu held the "2026 Seongbuk Senior Citizens' Community Festival" on Wednesday at the Centennial Hall of Dongduk Women's University, marking the 30th Senior Citizens' Day.
Senior Citizens' Day, observed on Oct. 2, is a statutory commemorative day established to promote respect for elders and express gratitude for their contributions. Seongbuk-gu organized the event to honor the seniors who have long supported the local community and to share the spirit of an intergenerational, caring neighborhood.
The ceremony opened with a recitation of the Senior Citizens' Pledge, followed by a welcoming address from Moon Gyeong-ju, head of the Seongbuk-gu chapter of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, and congratulatory remarks from district officials. Seongbuk-gu District Mayor Lee Seung-ro presented commendations to 17 exemplary seniors and contributors who have advanced senior welfare and community service in the district, including one recipient of a ministerial citation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Inside and outside the venue, outdoor performances ran alongside a variety of activity booths. The Korea Senior Citizens Association's Seongbuk-gu chapter, seven organizations from the district's community welfare working committee senior division, and the Jongam Police Station took part, offering traditional games, dementia and voice-phishing prevention campaigns, traffic safety awareness activities, and caricature drawing, among other programs.
"Seniors are the steadfast elders of our society and guides who pass on the wisdom of life," District Mayor Lee Seung-ro said in his address. "We will do our utmost to repay their dedication and build a Seongbuk-gu where every senior can enjoy a healthy and happy retirement."
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