South Korean woman to enter university at 87

An 87-year-old woman in South Korea is proving that it’s never too late to pursue education. After graduating high school this week, Kim Gap-nyeo is now preparing to enroll in university, marking another milestone in her lifelong learning journey.

Kim graduated from Ilsung Women’s High School, an institution for adult learners in Seoul, on February 25. Later this month, she will begin studying Social Welfare at Sookmyung Women's University.

Despite her remarkable achievement, Kim remains humble. "A goal? I don't have one. I just enjoy learning and being with people," she said in an interview with the Korea Times.

A Life Full of Challenges
Born in 1938 in Cheongwon County, North Chungcheong Province, Kim started elementary school in 1945 but was forced to drop out to help her parents with farming and care for her younger siblings.

At 17, after her father’s passing and financial struggles, she moved to Busan to work as a housemaid in a shoe store. A year later, she relocated to Seoul, got married, and had five children. To support her family, she worked tirelessly in markets, snack factories, and kimchi production facilities.

Her hardships continued when her husband passed away in 1985 after 15 years of illness. Determined to provide for her children’s education, she worked as a back scrubber at public bathhouses for 23 years.

A Return to Education at 80
At the age of 80, Kim decided to return to school. Encouraged by a friend, she enrolled at Yangwon Elementary School, an institution for elderly learners. Initially, she only planned to learn reading and writing, but her passion for education grew, leading her to high school and now university.

Her homeroom teacher at Ilsung Women’s High School, Kang Rae-kyung, described Kim as an exemplary student who was rarely absent and always completed her homework.

During her graduation ceremony, Kim was honored with both the "Perseverance Award" and the "Grace Award", celebrating her dedication and unwavering spirit.

An Inspiration to Many
Kim's story gained national attention after she appeared on the popular TV show "You Quiz on the Block" last October. She shared how her life took on new meaning when she returned to school.

Her daughters, now grown, take immense pride in their mother’s achievements.

As she prepares to embark on her university journey, Kim continues to inspire people of all ages, proving that learning has no age limit.