North Gyeongsang Province to review 'month-long stay' support for nurses who worked in Germany

North Gyeongsang Province said Monday it will review ways to support a "month-long stay" program for Korean nurses who worked in Germany in the 1960s, following a welcome dinner held in Gumi.

The dinner, held Sunday at Hotel Geumosan Grand Hall in Gumi, brought together 91 nurses who had devoted their youth to working in Germany to mark the 60th anniversary of their dispatch to the country.

About 170 people attended, including former President Park Geun-hye, North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho and officials from the Association of Korean Nurses in Germany.

Park recalled how her father, former President Park Chung-hee, met with Korean miners and nurses in Germany in 1964 and urged them to build a prosperous nation and pass on a thriving homeland to future generations.

Park So-hyang, chairwoman of the Association of Korean Nurses in Germany, cited South Korea's strong economic growth and proposed that the nurses be invited back through programs such as a "month-long stay."

Governor Lee said he would "review support measures to allow the nurses to stay in their hometowns for a period of time and see firsthand how South Korea has changed."

North Gyeongsang Province plans to finalize details — including eligibility, duration and format — before drawing up an action plan for the support program.

The province has annually supported the nurses who attend the Oct. 26 commemorative events.

In 2023, it enacted an ordinance on support for Korean miners and nurses who had worked in Germany.

"Today's South Korea grew on the challenges and dedication of the older generation," Lee said. "We must remember the contributions of those who worked for the country and pass their spirit on to future generations. We will do our utmost to honor those who gave their youth in a distant land."