Seoul's Seongdong-gu announced it has earned recertification in the 2026 Lifelong Learning City evaluation, building on the resident-centered learning environment and sustained education innovation it has developed since first receiving the designation in 2019. District Mayor Yoo Bo-hwa leads the district.
The National Institute for Lifelong Education under the Ministry of Education administers the evaluation, targeting local governments that have held the Lifelong Learning City designation for at least four years and assessing their implementation frameworks and program outcomes.
Since its initial designation in 2019, Seongdong-gu has consistently expanded residents' access to learning and operated a wide range of lifelong education programs tailored to local characteristics and community demand — efforts the evaluation panel recognized in granting recertification.
The district drew particularly high marks in administrative innovation and practical performance for proactively introducing its own workflow automation system. The in-house tool, developed by lifelong learning staff and called "Let's Work Easy," automates repetitive tasks such as scheduling program timetables and calculating instructor fees, improving data management and administrative efficiency. Evaluators cited it as a standout example of innovation.
The district's demand-driven operating model, anchored by the Dokseodang Humanities Academy — its flagship learning hub — also earned recognition. Drawing on a lifelong learning needs survey conducted in 2025, Seongdong-gu strengthened humanities, culture and arts programs for middle-aged residents and introduced a lifelong learning club certification system to support residents in pursuing self-directed study and peer exchange.
Tangible links between learning and the local economy also stood out. Active participation in the Higher Vocational Education hub (HiVE) project helped the district build a community-based lifelong learning platform for employment and entrepreneurship, creating a virtuous cycle that leads to credential attainment and economic outcomes — a point that drew positive responses from evaluators.
Also recognized was the neighborhood learning centers' "learning-into-practice" project, which channels individual growth into community contribution activities, ensuring that learning extends beyond personal development.
"This recertification reflects both the strong interest and participation of our residents and the district's consistent efforts to build a better lifelong learning environment," district Mayor Yoo said. "We will continue working to complete a Seongdong where every resident can find the joy of learning close to their daily lives — a place people want to call home."
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