100-year-old South Korean grandmother still commutes to work every day to sell insurance

A 100-year-old insurance agent in South Korea still reports to her branch office every day and signs new contracts, 43 years after joining the company.

Kim Sook-ja joined what is now Hanwha General Insurance in 1983, when she was in her late 50s. She still meets clients in person and is the company's oldest active agent, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Kim lives in Suwon, south of Seoul, and commutes to the capital by subway, Korea Economic TV reported.

Hanwha General Insurance said on Sept. 22 it had honored Kim at a "100-Year Legacy FP" tribute ceremony at the 63 Square tower in Seoul's Yeouido district. CEO Na Chae-beom, other senior executives and Kim's children attended.

Kim Sook-ja (L) is honored with a tribute ceremony at Hanwha General Insurance. Photo courtesy of Hanwha General Insurance

FP, short for financial planner, is the title Hanwha uses for its insurance agents.

Kim previously received the company's long-service awards at her 20-, 30- and 40-year marks.

Just over half, 51.4%, of newly registered in-house agents at South Korean insurers were still actively selling a year later in 2025, according to Financial Supervisory Service data released in April.

Kim raised a family while working. Her children now work in education and finance, and her grandchildren include researchers, Money Today reported.

"Before I knew it, 43 years had passed with Hanwha General Insurance's customers," Kim said in remarks released by the company. "I couldn't be happier that the company and my family have recognized that journey as a beautiful legacy."