‘Learn to Pass It On’... Lifelong Learning’s Rebellion

[Financial News] A virtuous cycle of lifelong learning—in which learning leads beyond personal growth to economic mutual benefit in local communities—is spreading nationwide. The Ministry of Education and the National Institute for Lifelong Education announced on the 4th that they had selected 14 outstanding cases of people who changed their lives through learning and contributed to their communities, and would hold the “23rd Korea Lifelong Learning Awards Ceremony and 2026 Lifelong Learning Cities Bronze Plaque Presentation Ceremony” at the Government Sejong Convention Center on the 5th.
The grand prize in the individual category (Prime Minister’s Award) went to Kim Yu-jeong, 56, who continued her education later in life after working as an accounting clerk following high school graduation. She went on to attend university and graduate school, earn a doctorate, and become a university research professor and lifelong education expert. She was recognized for continually giving back to her local community through the fruits of her learning, including by developing local education programs and providing career education for women who had taken career breaks and families with immigrant backgrounds.
The grand prize in the project category (Prime Minister’s Award) went to the “Po-Dong L.I.N.K Learning and Mutual Growth Belt,” jointly promoted by Dongducheon-si and Pocheon in Gyeonggi Province. The two local governments responded to population decline and an aging population by sharing lifelong learning resources and jointly offering programs such as training senior digital instructors and providing pet education. They built a structure in which learning contributes to the local economy and welfare, including by donating proceeds from learning villages to scholarships for local youth.
Among other initiatives, Busan’s Seo District and Seoul’s Eunpyeong-gu were designated outstanding lifelong learning cities. Seo District’s “Hangeoreum Class” used local small-business shops as learning spaces to offer classes within a 15-minute walk, while Eunpyeong-gu developed an adult learning-style assessment to provide tailored education.
Vice Minister of Education Choi Eun-ok said, “I am grateful to the award recipients who have contributed to personal growth and community development through continuous learning and practice,” adding, “We will foster a lifelong learning society in everyday life so that lifelong learning becomes a fundamental right for all citizens.”
[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter