Finding a Second Life in the Forest... Adult-Tailored “Lifelong Forest Education” Expands

[Financial News] Free lifelong education opportunities are expanding for adult learners, including middle-aged and older adults, to find new career paths in the forest and experience forest culture combined with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
 The Korea Forest Welfare Institute announced on the 1st that it will run a lifelong education course in forest-related fields for adults at nine educational institutions in Seoul and Daejeon through December 3. The program will be offered in 18 sessions, with 20 participants per session, and has been redesigned to reflect adults’ diverse interests.
 The newly launched program consists of four fields: “A Second Tomorrow Found in the Forest (Vocational Skills),” which helps participants explore forest-related jobs; “A Forestful Daily Life Made with Forest Products (Lifestyle and Culture)”; “A User’s Guide to the Forest Read Through Literary Works (Humanities)”; and “Our Neighborhood Forest Creator, Creating Together (AI),” which combines digital technology.
 Applications can be submitted on a first-come, first-served basis through the websites of the participating educational institutions in Seoul—seven locations, including Seoul Citizens’ University Central Region Campus, Dasi Ganeun Campus, Southeastern Region Campus, Seodaemun-gu Life Care Lifelong Learning Center, Gwangjin-gu Lifelong Learning Center, Gwanak-gu Lifelong Learning Center and Geumcheon-gu Lifelong Learning Center—and two in Daejeon, including the Forest Welfare Comprehensive Education Center and Daejeon Citizens’ University. Tuition is completely free.
 The expansion of lifelong education reflects the convergence of rising demand among middle-aged and older adults for reemployment after retirement in an aging society and the growing wellness trend toward eco-friendly lifestyles. 
 Jeong Yeon-guk, acting president of the Korea Forest Welfare Institute, said, "I hope this will give adult learners an opportunity to rediscover the forest’s diverse value and gain new vitality in their lives." Jeong added, "We will continue expanding the areas offering education and developing customized programs so that everyone can enjoy equal access to forest welfare services close to home, regardless of where they live." 

[email protected] Kim Won-jun Reporter