As living costs soar, learn personal finance and AI at the library

[Financial News] SMOE will roll out a broad slate of tailored educational and cultural programs throughout October, offering practical support for residents' lives and household finances this fall.
SMOE said on the 7th that its 23 libraries and lifelong learning centers will offer reading and lifelong learning programs open to all generations, from children to older adults.
Seoul Superintendent of Education Geun-sik Chung said, "We will continue to support reading and lifelong learning in residents' daily lives, so that people of all generations can enjoy books and learning together and take a break."
The programs focus on easing residents' education expenses amid high prices and providing practical knowledge.
A rich lineup of practical courses is on offer, particularly for adult readers. Godeok Lifelong Learning Center will hold a special lecture on OnBid public auctions in partnership with the Korea Asset Management Corporation, sharing knowledge about asset management and practical public auction know-how. Dongjak Library is offering a course in which a licensed real estate agent shares practical tips on real estate contracts, drawing on legal provisions and court precedents. Gangseo Library will hold a special lecture for parents titled "IB Education in the Age of AI and Children's Future Growth."
A diverse range of tailored programs will also help children and teenagers, the next generation, build future-ready skills. Classes where children can experience future technologies firsthand include "Creating AI Webtoon Content" at Dongdaemun Library and "AI Exploration" at Nowon Lifelong Learning Center. For teenagers, offerings include a planning and production experience for "Advertising Broadcast Station" at Gocheok Library and experiential booths at the "2026 Jongno-gu Youth Career and Vocational Fair," organized by Jeongdok Library.
Other offerings running throughout the month include local festivals and hands-on activities that families can enjoy without any pressure, such as Songpa Library's opening anniversary festival "Songpa Healing Book Flow" and Mapo Lifelong Learning Center's "Mapo Harmony Festival."
You can sign up for the programs through SMOE's lifelong learning portal, "EverLearning." For details, visit each institution's website.

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter