Korea‘s ‘Chinese Grandma‘ Embraces Chinese Culture and Language92

In the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea, a remarkable story has unfolded: that of an 86-year-old Korean grandmother who has become an unexpected icon in the world of Chinese language learning.

Park Mak-rye, affectionately known as "Chinese Grandma," first encountered the Chinese language in her 70s. Inspired by her son's trip to China, she decided to pursue the challenge of learning a foreign language at an advanced age.

Undeterred by the initial difficulties, Park enrolled in a Chinese language class at a local community center. With unwavering determination, she immersed herself in the world of Chinese characters, tones, and grammar.

To enhance her learning experience, Park embraced Chinese culture as a whole. She watched Chinese movies and TV shows, listened to Chinese music, and even adopted a Chinese name: Zhang Xiaoyun.

Word of Park's unusual learning journey quickly spread throughout South Korea and China. She was featured in numerous news articles and television programs, inspiring countless others to pursue their own language-learning dreams regardless of age or background.

Park's story became a testament to the transformative power of language learning. By embracing a new language and culture, she not only expanded her knowledge but also forged unexpected connections with people from different backgrounds.

As her fluency in Chinese grew, Park began actively engaging with the Chinese community in Seoul. She volunteered at Chinese cultural events, sharing her passion for language and culture with others.

In 2018, Park's remarkable language skills caught the attention of the Chinese Embassy in Seoul. She was invited to participate in a language exchange program in China, where she spent several months immersed in the Chinese language and culture, further honing her abilities.

Park's story has resonated particularly strongly with senior citizens in both Korea and China. She has become an inspiration to those who believe that learning is a lifelong pursuit that should not be limited by age or circumstance.

Today, at the age of 86, Park Mak-rye, the "Chinese Grandma," continues to be an active member of the language learning community, constantly seeking opportunities to improve her Chinese and connect with people from all walks of life.

Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and cultural understanding transcends age and boundaries, inspiring people everywhere to embrace the challenges and opportunities that language learning brings.

2025-02-13

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