Geumcheon-gu named top lifelong learning city, earns minister's commendation

Seoul's Geumcheon-gu has been named an "outstanding lifelong learning city" in the 2026 Lifelong Learning City Evaluation and Certification, organized by the Ministry of Education and the National Institute for Lifelong Education, the district announced Wednesday. The designation goes to only the top five local governments in the country. Geumcheon-gu will receive administrative incentives including a commendation from the education minister.

The evaluation assessed three years of performance through last year across 56 designated lifelong learning cities. It marks the first time Geumcheon-gu has earned the outstanding designation since it was first named a lifelong learning city in 2013.

In 2024, the district renovated the Doksan 2-dong community center and opened the Geumcheon Lifelong Learning Center, securing a hub learning space it operates directly to improve residents' access to education. The district was also recognized for designing and running curricula based on resident demand, analyzing the effects of lifelong learning participation and incorporating the findings into program improvements. Particularly noted was its effort to connect learning with broader civic engagement through talent-donation programs and a lifelong learning festival.