The modest space, organized in rows like a farm plot, first caught our eye in the spring. In Korea, it’s the kind of sight that a person can hurry past without even a second glance. While it may look like a “field,” the plot is probably the size of a pretty typical American bedroom.
By Summer, the garden teemed with abundance, overflowing with classic Korean vegetables bursting to life underneath the shade of persimmon trees (감나무). Korean peppers (고추), eggplant (가지), cucumbers (오이), and green onions (파) seemed to explode almost overnight thanks to the sun, heat, and humidity.
The garden belongs to the “Golden Club” or “senior center” (경로당) of this particular apartment complex. It is akin to a community center where members are residents of the local district age 65 and over. Here, members can gather, socialize, enjoy the air conditioned community room in the humid summers, or warm heated floors (온돌) in the snowy winters. Amongst various activities, they garden.
Today, most people associate Korea with technology and K-pop music. However, Korea has a long agrarian history that perpetuates to this day. As such, even a hobby garden tends to resemble a farm, organized in rows, and methodically planted with practical food crops. These traditions are continued by an ever aging population, many who are old enough to join the golden club.
Similar senior centers exist throughout Korea, and are key gathering places in most towns and villages. It’s common for Koreans to remain active and social well into their “golden years,” participating in work, farming, and cooking into their 90s. These are a far cry from nursing homes, rather they focus on social gathering, cooking, celebrating, and remaining active and busy in the community at large.
Thankfully, these centers have translated from rural life to city life. In Sejong City (세종시) for example, each apartment complex has its own Golden Club for residents who meet the criteria and want to join. High-rise apartment life can feel very isolating, so having apartment complex specific centers helps build a neighborly sensibility. They are also located next to, or near the apartment preschool, providing a vibrant mix of youthful energy, and well-earned wisdom!
We like the Golden Club concept because it keeps participants active, social, and connected across a wide range of ages and activities. It’s informal, voluntary, and free to join so long as you are a resident. We also like that members remain in service within the community, rather than being taken out of the community or isolated away. The continued tradition of agriculture, even in such a small city plot is awesome. Overall, it’s a great concept and are glad to see it so well integrated into community (and city) life in Korea.