South Korea: Sex in the Sunset Years
For some in South Korea, old age has meant making some tough choices. In a park in Seoul, Lucy Williamson finds an old profession getting some surprising new recruits.
It's the generation that raised South Korea from the ashes of war to one of the richest, most technologically advanced countries on earth. Even without a Confucian tradition of filial piety, you'd think they'd at least be made comfortable in their old age. But they're not. South Korea has the highest rates of suicide and relative poverty among seniors in the rich world. For some this has meant finding a second career to make ends meet. At a park in Seoul, Lucy Williamson finds an old profession getting some surprising new recruits.
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Drinking and playing
Here鈥檚 the 82-year-old who told us he was out for an afternoon of 鈥榙rinking and playing鈥� in Seoul鈥檚 Jongmyo Park. Lots of retired men gather here for the same reason. They say it beats staying home alone. Now a growing number of older women are gathering as well - not to play, but to earn money by selling sex.
Broadcasts
- Thu 24 Apr 2014 11:00主播大秀 Radio 4
- Mon 28 Apr 2014 20:30主播大秀 Radio 4
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Crossing Continents
Series focusing on foreign affairs issues
