"A member of our hobby group was confirmed positive for COVID-19. He went into an isolated room at a hospital and he said it almost felt like being in prison.

I had to get tested as well. I was very worried that I would be confirmed positive.

In my mind, a positive result meant death. I waited anxiously for the result.

It was negative so I was really relieved.

I live near the Jongno Senior Welfare Centre. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, I was very active at the centre. The first activity I started was photography, then I started learning Japanese. I make traditional Korean soybean paste and chili paste in a volunteer group. We also run a cafe at the centre where we sell traditional drinks.

I don’t mean to boast but I’ve started learning musical instruments as well! I’m learning guitar.

I didn’t expect the COVID-19 situation to last this long, but the reopening of the welfare centre kept getting postponed. Others are asking me, since I’m the leader of the hobby group, when the welfare centre is reopening.

As older people are especially vulnerable to the disease, we try not to meet up. We are just trying to endure this time. We talk over the phone and send messages, supporting each other. I remind myself to follow physical distancing measures properly, to wash my hands, and to wear a mask.

When the welfare centre reopens, I hope to attend all the programmes again. I’ll meet people whom I wasn’t able to meet for a long time. It’ll be very lively and energetic.

We can overcome this if we all follow the prevention measures. It’s tough right now, we all feel frustrated and tired. But as they say, when the bitterness ends, the sweetness begins.

We can overcome COVID-19 and create a better future."