Grandmother Gong Doyeon of Uiryeong, Who Practiced Sharing All Her Life... Awarded the National Medal of Honor

Received the National Medal (Seokryujang) at the 24th Senior Citizens' Day Ceremony on the 25th
Dedicated to society and neighbors through sacrifice and service since their 30s
Donated money collected over years by gathering waste paper and empty bo

Grandmother Gong Doyeon is trimming garlic she personally cultivated to share with her neighbors. (Photo by Gyeongnam Province)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Sharon] On the morning of the 25th, Grandma Gong Doyeon (80 years old), who resides in Yugok-myeon, Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam, received the prestigious National Medal of Honor (Seokryujang) at the '24th Senior Citizens' Day Ceremony' held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Conference Hall.

Grandma Gong has devoted her entire life to society and neighbors with a spirit of sacrifice and service. She married into Yugok-myeon, Uiryeong, at the age of 17 and lived in such difficult circumstances that she had to worry about three meals a day.

At that time, poverty was a deep sorrow for Grandma Gong, who worked day and night for over ten years as a peddler and laborer. It was only in her 30s that she began running a small farm and shop, starting her full-fledged sharing and volunteer activities.

Since the 1970s, Grandma Gong has actively participated in the Jeolmi Savings Movement and has contributed to numerous social contributions and volunteer activities, including supporting the installation costs of village water supply systems and roof renovation projects, donating scholarships, donating land for health clinics, and giving donations to senior citizens' associations and various organizations.

Even after turning 70, she collected waste paper and empty bottles and gathered wild greens, donating over 2 million won collected over several years to neighbors in need. Despite her current poor health, she continues to practice sharing and volunteer work by distributing garlic she personally cultivated to her neighbors.

Grandma Gong said, "I have never even thought about the grand cause of social contribution; I just lived by sharing a little of what I had, so I don't know how to express my gratitude for receiving such a great award," and added, "I don't know if I deserve the medal. I am truly embarrassed," expressing her feelings.

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