92-Year-Old Woman Passes Korean Literacy Exam, Sets Record

In a remarkable achievement, 박경자 (Park Kyung-ja), a 92-year-old resident of Busan's Haeundae district, has become the oldest person to pass the Korean literacy exam administered by the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education. This milestone was reached during the first round of the 2025 elementary, middle, and high school equivalency tests held last month. Officials estimate that she is also the oldest successful candidate nationwide this year.

박경자 began her journey of learning Hangul five years ago, driven by a desire to overcome the regret of having dropped out of school in the third grade during the Japanese occupation of Korea. After marrying in Jeonnam's Sinan County and living as a haenyeo (female diver) on Heuksando Island, she later moved to Busan's Yeongdo district, where she raised her children while working various jobs, including as a 'kkangkkani' (a worker who removes rust from old ship plates). Reflecting on her life, she noted, "I have had more than 16 different jobs throughout my life." Tragically, she lost both of her sons about 9 to 15 years ago.

Attending a Hangul class at a local welfare center transformed her life. 박경자 expressed, "I can now read street signs, restaurant menus, and bus routes. It felt like a new world opened up before my eyes." Writing letters to her late sons has also helped her heal emotional wounds.

After failing her first attempt at the equivalency exam last year, she persevered and succeeded this time. Despite suffering from degenerative arthritis, which limits her mobility, she enjoys visiting the welfare center to learn and socialize. She recently showcased her work titled '글이 너무 좋다' (The Writing is So Good) at a poetry exhibition, where she wrote, "I have found happiness now. I want to learn to write until I can walk. I love writing..." She shared that expressing her life through poetry is her remaining dream.