An 80-Year-Old Shoe Repairman Donates 1.2 Billion Won to Jeonnam National University

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] An 80-year-old grandfather in Seoul who has worked as a shoemaker for over 30 years has become a topic of interest after deciding to donate a total of 1.2 billion KRW worth of cash and housing to Chonnam National University.

According to Chonnam National University on the 20th, Mr. Kim Byungyang (84), who lives in Seoul, donated 600 million KRW in cash, which he had saved throughout his life, on the 17th, requesting that it be used for the construction fund of the university's digital library.

He also decided to donate a townhouse worth approximately 600 million KRW as an in-kind contribution.

Mr. Kim, originally from Jangseong, Jeonnam, graduated from elementary school and worked as a factory worker in Gwangju before moving to Seoul in his 30s, where he ran a delivery business in Namdaemun Market. At the late age of 52, he began working as a shoemaker on Myeongdong Street in Seoul and has been saving money for over 30 years.

Mr. Kim said, "Before I die, I wanted to do something good for my hometown’s best institution, Chonnam National University, and its students. My wife and children readily agreed with my idea, so I was finally able to fulfill that wish. Although it is not a large amount of money, I am deeply grateful that the university treats me with such great respect."

Chonnam National University President Jeong Byeongseok said, "We will honor the noble intention and significance of the donation and ensure that not a single penny is wasted. We will do our best to teach the students more diligently and nurture them into outstanding talents."

Chonnam National University plans to explore ways to commemorate the true meaning of Mr. Kim’s donation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.