Literacy education for 3.77 million adults with low literacy expands into AI and digital fields

[Financial News] As the number of adults in South Korea who struggle with reading, writing, or basic arithmetic reaches 3.77 million, the government’s adult literacy education is moving beyond basic Hangul and everyday financial literacy into artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills.
The Ministry of Education and the National Institute for Lifelong Education said on the 26th that they will hold the "Korea Literacy Education Policy Exhibition" for two days starting on the 27th at OSCO Convention & Exhibition Center in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. Marking the 20th anniversary of the adult literacy education support project, the event was organized to share past achievements and highlight how literacy education is expanding to meet a rapidly changing digital environment.
As of 2024, the number of adults in South Korea with low literacy skills is estimated at about 3.77 million, while the cumulative number of beneficiaries of government support programs over the past 20 years stands at about 920,000. In addition to providing essential education ranging from basic Hangul to economics and finance, the Ministry of Education has recently begun supporting AI and digital literacy education as well.
At the exhibition, local governments, universities, public institutions, and private companies will take part and operate about 30 experience booths. The lineup includes Naver’s online grocery shopping and AI service experience, as well as practical digital and financial programs such as mobile banking and voice phishing prevention education from Woori Bank and Hana Bank.
Experts will also join a policy forum to discuss the future direction of literacy education in the AI era. In addition, an awards ceremony will be held for the "15th National Adult Literacy Education Poetry and Painting Exhibition," which showcases works by learners who have learned to read through literacy education. A declaration ceremony for "Korea Literacy Month," marking International Literacy Day (ILD) on September 8, will also take place.
Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin emphasized that "literacy education is a highly meaningful policy that opens a new life for adults with low literacy skills in our country," and added that "the Ministry of Education will continue expanding support needed to build literacy capabilities in step with a changing society."

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter