Mapo-gu will launch a series of tailored digital education programs at the Mapo Lifelong Learning Center starting in August, aimed at helping residents adapt to a rapidly changing digital environment by building skills in smartphone use and generative AI.
A "Smartphone Basics" course, offered as part of the district's digital literacy initiative, will cover fundamental smartphone operations and everyday information searches.
The course runs in two tracks: a Tuesday class from Aug. 11 through Sept. 29, and a Thursday class from Aug. 6 through Oct. 1. Both meet weekly from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for a total of eight sessions.
To make enrollment accessible to residents unfamiliar with the internet or smartphones, Mapo-gu will accept phone applications starting Monday through the district's Lifelong Learning Division.
The Tuesday class has 20 spots and the Thursday class 15. Mapo-gu residents attending a smartphone course for the first time will receive priority, followed by first-time attendees from other districts and then residents who participated before the first half of 2026.
Alongside this, a digital literacy course titled "Smartphones and AI in Everyday Life" will run every Tuesday from Aug. 11 through Sept. 29, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., with 20 spots available. Application dates, methods and selection criteria are the same as for the Smartphone Basics course.
In addition, Mapo-gu has prepared an "Easy AI" course for residents who already have basic smartphone and PC skills.
The course runs every Friday from Aug. 14 through Oct. 16, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., for a total of eight sessions.
Participants will learn hands-on how to create images, videos and music using a range of generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini and Google Flow.
The course accepts 12 participants. Applications open Monday through the Mapo Lifelong Learning Portal. Finalists will be chosen by random draw, with results announced July 29.
Mapo-gu said it hopes the programs will help narrow the digital divide and enable all residents to engage actively with an evolving digital landscape.
"Digital technology and AI are becoming essential capabilities in daily life and across society," district mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said. "Mapo-gu will continue to expand its educational offerings to strengthen residents' digital competitiveness."
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