The classroom door opens quietly onto an advanced literacy class already in session. Elderly students sit side by side at small desks with their eyes fixed on the blackboard and their voices rising together in a soft, steady chorus as they read aloud. Their teacher, Kwon Hee-sook, arrives every morning at 8:50 a.m. to prepare for the day’s lesson. Knowing that some students may forget details from time to time, she sends class reminders by text and patiently reviews each word and sentence. The students carefully search for familiar words, circle them, and copy them out by hand. “I was too embarrassed to study at my age,” Park says. When asked to show her notebook, she quickly closes it with a shy smile.
“I’m too embarrassed… I can’t.” But a glimpse inside reveals page after page of carefully written characters, each one reflecting years of dedication to learning.

Park Dal-su’s face is so radiant and full of life that it is hard to believe she is 94 years old. This past February, she completed the middle school curriculum after 17 years of study. She traveled from Seonggeon-dong to the school three times a week. When the weather was good, she walked slowly with the support of her mobility walker, and when the weather was poor, she relied on a taxi. While some graduates go on to enroll in the national distance-learning high school program, Ms. Park admits she couldn’t quite find the courage for that next step. Yet, she simply couldn’t bear to leave the school behind. She loved the hours spent meeting people, learning new words, laughing, and sharing stories. When her teacher discovered what was weighing on her heart, she gently patted her on the back to reassure her: “Just keep coming! What is there to worry about?” As the class comes to an end, Ms. Park pulls her hands from beneath her scarf and makes a heart shape with her fingers.

Academic Equivalency Program: Three classes per week
Literacy Program: Two classes per week

Though reading and learning still bring her immense joy, she confesses that her hands now tremble, making it difficult to write. Whenever she needs to write, she clasps the pencil with both hands to keep it steady and carefully presses each letter onto the page. “Still, I’m happy whenever I come here.” A radiant smile instantly lights up her face. Though Ms. Park wakes up repeatedly at night, she rises early every morning to exercise and prepare for the day ahead. She says she eagerly counts the days until she can return to Gyeongju Happiness School. Knowing how much Ms. Park loves to sing, her teacher, Kwon Hee-sook, always leaves her with a sweet little assignment before school breaks: “Make sure you practice this song so you can sing it for me the next time we meet!” Within the welcoming walls of Gyeongju Happiness School, the joy of learning, the pleasure of having something to look forward to accumulate, day by day.

Gyeongju Happiness School, which is approaching its milestone 30th anniversary next year, proudly holds the record in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province for producing the largest number of accredited elementary and middle school graduates, totaling 122 students. Here, seniors who spent much of their lives unable to read or write learn literacy skills, compose poetry, and earn diplomas. Many go on to distance learning high schools to continue their education.

“When they finally step out from a world of quiet frustration and learn to read and write on their own, the very first thing that changes is the look on their faces,” Principal Kang notes with a smile. “The greatest reward of this work is to see that profound transformation.”

“Adult literacy schools can be found across the country,” he continues. “But the reality is that many still face significant operational challenges.”

Gyeongju Happiness School, located in Seonggeon-dong, is a lifelong learning institution that operates accredited elementary and middle school education programs. Currently, 126 students study there under the guidance of nine teachers. The school is heavily dependent on donations and volunteer support to keep its doors open. The rent for some classrooms relies on government funding, which is limited. Principal Kang, who served as an advisory board member before taking the helm nearly a decade ago, says securing stable resources remains a constant concern. “It requires a minimum level of financial stability to provide teaching materials and maintain classes. More than anything, I hope literacy education can be firmly supported through national policy and legislation, so that it no longer rests on the dedication of individuals alone.”

Learning continues even at an advanced age, but public support has not always kept pace. In literacy classrooms, teachers play an essential role, adapting materials to each learner’s pace, repeating instructions as often as needed, and offering guidance that extends beyond academics into everyday life. In an era of increasing life expectancy, Gyeongju Happiness School remains a place where older adults can continue to learn.