Hongcheon Eulsu-gol's 89-year-old Jeon Kwang-seo and 84-year-old Lee Bok-sun: A KBS Documentary Continuing for 3 Years

A Sage of the Mountain - Truly Grateful You

An elderly couple in their 80s from Eulsu-gol, Gangwon Province, met again after 3 years; the four seasons spent with the 'Sage of the Mountain'

Broadcast: September 12, 2026 (Sat) 10:15 PM KBS 1TV

The guardian of Eulsu-gol approaching ninety

Eulsu-gol is located at an altitude of 800 meters in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do. The couple, Jeon Kwang-seo (89) and Lee Bok-sun (84), were born in that remote dead-end area and have been guarding their hometown for nearly ninety years. It has already been three years since they first met the production team in 2023, continuing their In-Yun.

The elderly couple says that even when bellflower flowers bloom beautifully, when they make handmade tofu in a cauldron, or when the first snow falls early, the production team flickers in their minds. Therefore, the team has consistently visited the elderly couple's home with every seasonal change. Every time they visit, Jeon Kwang-seo, the self-proclaimed guardian of Eulsu-gol, has grown hard of hearing and his steps have noticeably slowed. However, his innocent laughter and insights into life remain simple, deep, and warm.

There is a good reason why everyone calls him the 'Sage of the Mountain,' as he loves even the smallest creatures like flowers, trees, bees, and Navi, and knows how to live in harmony with them.

There are only grateful things in all the world

The elderly man lives with the word 'thank you' on his lips. He is grateful to his wife, who prepares a meal every day even though they are aging together, and grateful to the mountains for providing precious wild ginseng so that the guardian of Eulsu-gol can stay healthy. Even though they lost one-third of their crops due to frequent heavy rains, he is also grateful that enough was left for the family to eat.

Conversely, Mrs. Lee Bok-sun is grateful for her old husband, who, despite his weakened strength, is reliable just by being by her side, and grateful that she can still act as a mother to her children who call out "Mom, Mom," just like in her youth. And what about the small frogs that hop around like playing children after the rain clears?

He is also grateful for his daughters, who come down every kimchi-making season to make hundreds of heads of kimchi with the elderly couple, simply because they have parents. Having lived a long time, Jeon Kwang-seo says there are only grateful things in the world rather than things to hate or dislike. Although his eyes and ears have grown dim, his heart is becoming brighter every day.

Memories remain there for a long time

Electricity first arrived 15 years ago, and one must walk 20 ri to catch a bus. Eulsu-gol is one of the most remote valleys even within Gangwon-do. It is far from convenience, but because it is remote, there are many beautiful things and memories that have not disappeared. In spring, wild greens sprout everywhere, in summer, the Eunhasu decorates the night sky, and in autumn, mushrooms and chestnuts pour out.

Above all, the best parts are the earthen house that is at least over 70 years old and the warm-hearted elderly couple who smile brightly there. There are even alumni in their 70s who have been visiting Eulsu-gol for over 20 years because they miss their submerged hometown house and village, and Eulsu-gol resembles their hometown perfectly.

Eulsu-gol, a place where the memories of our beloved childhood remain. We have once again captured one year of Eulsu-gol from 2025 until this summer. When your heart feels desolate one day, we begin the story of the elderly couple and Eulsu-gol, which will serve as comfort and rest.

(Photo provided = KBS 1TV 'Docu On')

◆ At a Glance

· Publishing Institution: KBS

· Category: Docu On

· Distribution: September 10, 09:00

Source: KBS Press Release

Special Times is striving to deliver faster and more diverse news to readers with the help of AI technology.