91.8 centenarians per 100,000 residents — the highest rate in the country
Goheung-gun, South Korea's top-ranked longevity county, held a grand celebration for National Elderly Day, marking a community where more than 48 percent of the population is aged 65 or older and where 91.8 out of every 100,000 residents have reached the age of 100 — the highest rate in the country.
The 30th National Elderly Day ceremony was held Friday at Paryeong Gymnasium in Goheung to honor the contributions of older residents and reflect on the values of respect for elders. National Elderly Day is a statutory commemorative holiday.
About 900 people attended, including County Chief Gong Yeong-min, who is himself in his 70s, Goheung-gun Council Speaker Kim Min-yeol, heads of local institutions and civic organizations, and officers of the county's senior citizens association.
This year's event carried added significance as it marked the 30th anniversary of National Elderly Day, bringing together generations to honor those who have dedicated their lives to their families and communities.
"I am very proud that Goheung has established itself as the nation's foremost longevity county," Gong said. "As county chief, seeing so many elderly residents here makes me all the more determined to make this the best place in the country for seniors to live — and that is the thinking behind our welfare policies." He added, "I offer my deepest respect and gratitude to the elders who weathered countless hardships to build and sustain this community."
Nestled at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula and known for its clean air and abundant natural produce, Goheung-gun was ranked the nation's top longevity region for the third consecutive year, according to a survey of residents aged 100 or older released in August by the Ministry of Statistics, formerly Statistics Korea. Based on 2025 figures, the county recorded 91.8 centenarians per 100,000 residents.
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