Interview: Kim Wol-yong, Head of the National Institute for Lifelong Education, on Expanding Lifelong Learning in Korea

"We all live different lives, have different thoughts, and carry different dreams in our hearts. However, learning allows each of us to discover our potential and gives us the strength to pursue our dreams. When everyone grows through learning and finds happiness, Korea will also be happy. This is the value and goal that the National Institute for Lifelong Education aims for."

In the face of a national transition marked by a declining school-age population and an aging society, Kim Wol-yong, head of the National Institute for Lifelong Education, has outlined a vision for lifelong education in South Korea. We spoke with him to explore the future of lifelong learning in the country.

Expanding Lifelong Education Beyond School Age: A National Growth Strategy

Kim pointed to the rapid changes in population structure and industry, calling for a fundamental shift in the lifelong education paradigm. He stated, "While the school-age population is rapidly decreasing, life expectancy is increasing, and the validity period of knowledge and skills is shortening due to advancements in AI and digital technology. It is now difficult to live a lifetime relying solely on what is learned in school."

In response, the institute is focusing on expanding the center of education from the traditional school-age focus to encompass the entire lifespan of citizens. Kim identified three core tasks for the institute: expanding lifelong learning opportunities for all citizens, enhancing national capabilities amid AI and digital transformation, and strengthening the foundation and investment in lifelong education at the national level. He emphasized, "Lifelong education is not merely supplementary education after school; it is a fundamental right to learn and a national growth strategy that determines Korea's competitiveness in the AI era."

He particularly stressed the importance of a new anchor system for nurturing local talent to overcome the crisis of regional extinction, advocating for collaboration between universities and local governments. Kim explained, "Regions must design the lifelong education they need, universities should become hubs for lifelong learning for local residents, and the government should connect and support these efforts."

He envisions creating a 'regional settlement-type lifelong learning ecosystem' where education tailored to local industries and jobs occurs within the region, allowing learners to work and grow locally.

Improving the structure of universities is also an urgent task. Kim noted that higher education institutions must transform into true hubs for adult re-education, stating, "Universities should adapt their systems to accommodate adult learners while also nurturing young talent." He called for the expansion of flexible educational programs, such as evening and weekend online classes, intensive short courses, and micro-credentials, urging universities to evolve from merely granting degrees to becoming spaces where citizens can return for learning throughout their lives.

Emphasizing 'Warm Inclusion' Amid Digital Transformation: 20 Years of Literacy Education

The digital transformation driven by AI brings with it the risk of creating barriers that can marginalize certain groups.

Kim referenced the plight of elderly individuals struggling with kiosks, stating, "For some, ordering food through a kiosk or booking a hospital appointment via smartphone is a convenient part of daily life, but for others, it can be an insurmountable barrier." He believes that generational conflicts often stem from a lack of lifelong education and information gaps.

As a solution, Kim advocates for education that is thoroughly 'people-oriented.' He stated, "As AI and digital technologies advance, we must focus more on people than on technology. Digital education should not wait for citizens to seek it out; instead, we must go to the elderly and vulnerable populations, providing support until they become familiar with the technology in their daily lives."

He added, "We should not create good technology and expect citizens to catch up; rather, we must ensure that technology is accessible to everyone," emphasizing that AI should be a tool that opens new opportunities for all citizens, not one that creates new disparities.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of adult literacy education, which has evolved beyond basic literacy to include life, digital, and AI literacy. The institute is enhancing personalized education through various platforms, including K-MOOC, the credit bank system, and lifelong learning accounts.

Kim stated, "The National Institute for Lifelong Education aims to provide tailored education for everyone, from those who cannot read Hangul to the highest scholars. Next year, we plan to strengthen accessibility significantly by collaborating with over 40 universities and local governments to provide more structured education for citizens to achieve their dreams."

Furthermore, South Korea's systematic lifelong education system is gaining global attention under the name 'K-Lifelong Education.' Kim remarked, "It is rare globally for a country to enshrine the obligation to promote lifelong education in its constitution and to implement policies through a dedicated agency. We aim to share our expertise tailored to the conditions of each country, developing South Korea's educational experience into a global model where anyone can learn and take on new challenges."

Proving the Power of Lifelong Learning Through Life: 'Every Time I Hit a Limit, I Drew a New Starting Line'

Kim's passionate advocacy for 'warm inclusion' and the normalization of lifelong learning is rooted in his own experience as a beneficiary of the lifelong education system.

Having completed only elementary school due to family circumstances, he worked in a coal mine for eight years starting at age 17. At the age of 56, he returned to the starting line of education. Within just seven years, he obtained a doctoral degree in engineering after passing the high school equivalency exam and completing a self-directed degree program and the credit bank system.

Kim reflected, "I did not define the regrets I held in my heart as limits; instead, I drew a new starting line where those limits appeared. As someone who has been both a learner and a beneficiary of the lifelong education system, I feel a unique responsibility to give back these opportunities to more citizens." His realization that restoring the ladder of education impacts not just individual lives but also national competitiveness is deeply embedded in his policy philosophy.

Kim identified 'establishing lifelong learning infrastructure' as a key goal for his remaining term. He stated, "I will fully open universities to citizens, providing lifelong learning that meets the needs of the field, and firmly establish 'future learning cities' linked with local governments." He expressed his commitment to strengthening the material and institutional foundations of the institute through organizational expansion and securing infrastructure.

Finally, he shared a message for potential learners hesitant to pursue education. Kim said, "I want to emphasize that there is no end to learning, even if you hesitate due to age. Learning how to operate a smartphone or starting a new sport are all excellent forms of study." He concluded, "Even if you graduate from school, learning never graduates. Today is the youngest day of the rest of your life, so I hope you find the courage to take a step forward from yesterday."

Kim Wol-yong, Head of the National Institute for Lifelong Education, was born in 1955 and is a testament to the lifelong education system he advocates. Due to family circumstances, he completed only elementary school and worked as a miner for eight years starting at age 17. After entering the workforce as an entrepreneur, he resumed formal education at the age of 56.

After resuming his studies, he passed the high school equivalency exam and obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration through the self-directed degree program and the credit bank system. He then earned a master's degree in public policy from Yonsei University and a Ph.D. in engineering from Hansei University, completing all degree programs within seven years of restarting his education.

He has gained practical experience in lifelong education and job creation through various roles in academia and public institutions. He led university administration as the president of Korea Polytechnic University in the Gyeonggi-Incheon region and served as chair of the Incheon Job Committee and head of the Incheon Talent Lifelong Education Institute, contributing to the establishment of a lifelong learning ecosystem in the community. Since April 2026, he has served as the head of the National Institute for Lifelong Education, overseeing national lifelong education policies that encompass the entire life cycle of citizens.