Seoul National University Professor Emeritus Kim Won-gon, who retired after more than 40 years in medicine, embarked on a unique post-retirement journey: studying languages around the world. At 66 in 2020, Kim began learning Spanish in Peru, just as the COVID-19 pandemic led to global lockdowns. Despite near-confined conditions abroad, Kim continued his studies, moving on to France, Japan, and Taiwan, completing a four-year language study adventure. He recently compiled his experiences into a book titled “As Long as I Can Live as Myself.”
The Chosunilbo interviewed him to learn more about his journey. Here are key excerpts from the interview:
Why did you decide to pursue language studies after retirement?
“Three years ago, my wife suggested I go for a language study after retirement. Initially, I hesitated due to my age, but the idea grew on me. My wife saw it as a retirement gift, given my passion for learning languages.”
You had already achieved success in South Korea. Was it difficult to make this decision?
“In Go, there’s a saying about not living up to the expectations of a previous move. Having studied languages for 16 years, I wanted to fully immerse myself in a new environment to honor my past efforts.”
Why did you start with Peru for your language studies in 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea?
“I was worried about not being able to leave due to the pandemic, so I avoided salons and took all precautions. At that time, South America was considered a COVID-free zone. I managed to leave, but just a week later, Peru declared a national emergency due to a surge in cases. My father-in-law even scolded my wife for letting me go.”
Was it difficult to study under those conditions?
“With in-person classes unavailable, I took online lessons for four hours a day. I even had to learn how to fry an egg from my wife because restaurants were closed. I cooked simple meals based on my teachers’ instructions and used resistance bands for exercise.”
You continued your language studies in France in 2021, Japan in 2022, and Taiwan in 2023. How did that go?
“The initial three-month plan in Peru extended to eight months due to border closures. Gaining confidence in my ability to handle longer courses, I decided to study French, Japanese, and Chinese for six months each. Even while studying in one country, I continued practicing other languages to retain my skills.”
What was it like studying alongside younger students?
“I was often the oldest in my classes, ranging from teens to people in their 30s. Determined not to fall behind, I never missed a class or was late, and I didn’t take any breaks. In every language school, I was placed in the highest level, which was quite gratifying.”
You’re known as a ‘fit doctor.’ How did you manage to balance your demanding medical career with such rigorous language studies?
“By age 50, I couldn’t let time pass without setting goals. I aimed to develop a six-pack before 60 and to master four languages. These became my personal bucket list.”
Was it possible due to having more time and money?
“People often think having time and money makes it easier, but many successful individuals don’t use their resources to their full potential. I find that many people create excuses rather than acknowledge their lack of effort. It’s easy to make excuses, but that’s not productive.”
Does your story imply that nothing comes easily?
“Before smartphones, I attended language classes every evening, reviewed with large dictionaries, and practiced in every spare moment. I applied the same dedication to exercise, combining it with language learning. Many people who don’t put in the effort criticize others from their comfort zones.”
Do you think today’s generation might resent being told to work hard?
“Not at all. The call to work hard is a positive one, although those who don’t put in the effort might resent it. Just as children learn by example from their parents, older generations should demonstrate diligence.”
You might hear that learning later in life is pointless. What’s your take?
“It’s for personal joy. Just like physical exercise initially feels hard but eventually brings a runner’s high, intellectual pursuits provide a similar fulfillment. Engaging in lifelong learning can counteract the boredom that often follows retirement.”
Is it necessary to learn something as specialized as languages?
“While showcasing physical prowess in older age has become more common, intellectual achievements are still rare. Learning languages is one way, but acquiring skills in areas like photography or art can also be valuable. Such pursuits foster confidence and keep the mind sharp.”
Kim returned from his language studies in September last year. He continues to study four languages for about two hours each morning and dedicates an hour and a half to strength training and cardio workouts daily. “The harshest part of language study is that if you don’t keep at it, you forget it,” he says. When asked to speak in the four languages he has learned, he didn’t choose common phrases like “nice to meet you” or “I love you,” but rather the word for “cockroach” in Spanish, French, Chinese, and Japanese, smiling as he explained, “That’s what bothered me during my time in Taiwan.”
