Graduated from elementary school at the age of 80

Four elderly women, Kim Soon-deok, 81, Jang Hwa-nyeo, 77, Park Hyang-im, 76, and Lee Sun-sook, 75, just received their diplomas after completing 6 years of study at Goonseo Elementary School in Yeonggwang County, Jeolla Province (South Korea) in early January.

During the ceremony, the women received congratulations from their teachers and friends. Despite being busy with farming and in poor health, the four women still found joy and motivation in studying.

Soon-deok hopes to return to school after her children grow up, go to college, and get married. She wants to go back to school but worries about how she will fit in with students her grandchildren are likely to be.

However, with the support of her family, she and her friend applied. Goonse Primary School welcomed them despite the dwindling number of students.

Initially, the school had 6 elderly people registered but 2 had to drop out due to poor health.

Homeroom teacher Park Jeong-jo praised the four senior students as exemplary. They rarely miss school unless it coincides with family memorial services.

“They work harder in subjects like physical education, computer skills, English and even on field trips,” said Ms. Park.

Determined to continue her education, Kim Soon-deok enrolled in Gunam High School.

"At this age I forget things easily, but there are still many things I want to learn," she said. "I will pursue my passion."

Her son, Chung Won-sik, said he admired his mother for overcoming many challenges and proudly standing on stage to receive her diploma.

"Mom really lived up to the saying that learning has no age," he said.