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| Shincheonji Gangdong Church Senior Taekwondo |
“As you get older, you might experience depression or feel down, but I am living energetically without feeling that way.”
As South Korea's population ages, social interaction and leisure activities are becoming increasingly important. According to the 2026 Statistics on the Elderly, people aged 65 and over account for 21.6% of the national population. Meanwhile, 43.4% of older respondents in the 2025 Social Survey said they usually feel lonely.
To combat social isolation, the John Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus (hereafter Shincheonji John Tribe) operates hobby clubs at five churches in Gwacheon, Gangdong, Icheon, Wangsimni and Hanam.
Taekwondo: Building Strength and Vitality
Established in 2017, the Silver Taekwondo Club at Shincheonji Gwacheon Church meets twice a week, promoting fitness, balance and flexibility. Despite a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, members resumed competitions in 2021, winning 15 gold, four silver and 11 bronze medals last year.
At their recent practice on 2nd November, Jeong-suk Min (80), a founding member, said, “I look forward to meeting the other members twice a week. Preparing, sweating and winning medals together gives me a strong sense of belonging and happiness.”
Jeong-gi Kim, who previously enjoyed various sports, said, “I felt my body becoming stiffer as I got older, but since taking up Taekwondo, I have become much more flexible. Taekwondo is a source of vitality for me.”
Shincheonji Gangdong Church also established a Taekwondo club in 2019, winning first place overall at a competition in 2023. The club is currently undergoing reorganisation.
Choirs: Strengthening Bonds Through Music
At Shincheonji Hanam Church, 14 members established a senior vocal ensemble last May. Meeting every Tuesday, they share lunch and practise songs and hymns. Their first performance took place on 20th September.
Soon-ok Lee (74) said, “It was a precious opportunity to share our hearts and grow closer to church members with whom we had previously felt awkward, as we sang together.”
Sun-yeon Kim (80) added, “I feel like I am gradually becoming more confident with continued practice. I look forward to our sessions because I enjoy singing and sharing my thoughts.”
Meanwhile, Shincheonji Wangsimni Church operates a weekly choir with 27 members.
Eun-suk Jeong (70) said, “Singing regularly refreshes my heart and helps relieve stress.” She added, “When people from different backgrounds come together to sing with one voice, I feel that our hearts are becoming one.”
Knitting: Finding Connection and Wellbeing
At Shincheonji Icheon Church, five or six advisory council members have gathered after worship services since the beginning of the year to knit small items, including mobile phone bags and keyrings, while sharing conversations.
Club president Eun-mi Shin (pseudonym) said, “I felt stifled staying at home, so it was lovely to get out, see familiar faces and knit together. I enjoy it even when the finished product isn't perfect.”
An official from Shincheonji John Tribe said, “Club activities provide opportunities for leisure and learning, while also helping people maintain existing relationships and build new connections. More important than the scale or outcomes of these activities is the process of spending time together and communicating with one another.”
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