99-year-olds in Seocho-gu honored with W1m

Seoul’s southern district of Seocho has started providing one million won ($745) in longevity cash bonuses to its 99-year-old residents, the district office said Thursday.

Starting this year, adults aged 99, or born in 1925, with their residential registration in Seocho-gu, for at least one year, are eligible to receive the cash gift to commemorate their long lives.

Additionally, this particular district office will extend the same financial benefits to those aged over 100 -- only for this year. Those who qualify, or their family members, can submit their applications at local community centers this year.

On Wednesday, Seocho-gu District Head Jun Sung-soo visited two such households in Bangbae-dong and Yangjae-dong to present the gift money along with congratulatory cards, and conveyed them his appreciation for their sacrifices and contributions to Korean society.

“I feel very fortunate to be at this age and in good health. I am sincerely grateful to the district office for the thoughtful gift,” the district office quoted one of the recipients as saying.

To keep pace with Korea's rapidly aging society, Seocho-gu is initiating a range of relevant projects, including constructing a large-scale advanced senior welfare facility, promoting senior creators, as well as providing information technology and artificial intelligence training experiences for its older residents, the district office explained.