The Gangseo-gu Office in Seoul (Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon) is recruiting participants for its “2026 Gangseo Leaders Academy,” a lifelong learning program launched in partnership with Korea University’s Future Education Center. Aimed at discovering and nurturing local leaders, the program will accept applications from 100 students on a first-come, first-served basis over three weeks, from Aug. 5 to 25. Classes will run every Wednesday evening from Sept. 2 to Oct. 28 at the second-floor auditorium of the Gangseo Lifelong Learning Center (615 Gonghang-daero). Faculty members from various fields at Korea University will take the podium themselves, meeting with residents on a wide range of topics including leadership, economics, art and psychology.
 [코리안투데이] Gangseo-gu Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon delivers opening remarks at the academy’s opening ceremony (September 2025) © 송정숙 기자 |
The academy will open with a lecture titled “Gyeomjae Jeong Seon and Gangseo” by Song Hee-kyung, director of the Gyeomjae Jeong Seon Art Museum. It will be followed by a total of eight lectures held every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.: “The Reform Spirit of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Who Unified All Under Heaven” by Professor Shin Chang-ho of the Department of Education; “The Wisdom of Movement: Self-Management for Modern People, Connecting Body and Mind” by Professor Park Jong-hoon of the Department of Physical Education; “Where Will Korea’s Economy Go Over the Next Two Years?” by Professor Kang Kyu-ho of the Department of Economics; “Stories of Great Artists” by Professor Oh Se-chul of the Culture and Arts Education Institute; “The Psychology of Happiness” by Professor Ko Young-gun of the Department of Psychology; “The Art of Aging” by Professor Kim Jung-joo of the Division of Culture and Creativity; and “The Global Order of the 21st Century and Korea” by Moon Jung-bin, dean of the Future Education Center. However, there will be no class on Sept. 23.
The final session on Oct. 28 will be held specially on the Korea University campus. It will combine a special lecture by the dean of the Future Education Center with a graduation ceremony, and students who attend at least 80% of the eight sessions will receive a certificate of completion issued jointly by the president of Korea University and the dean of the Future Education Center. The tuition fee is 100,000 won per person, and applications can be submitted through the notice board on the Gangseo-gu Office website.
 [코리안투데이] Group photo from the completion ceremony (November 2025) © 송정숙 기자 |
Local governments across the country have recently shown growing interest in adult lifelong education programs run in partnership with universities. As the population ages rapidly and more residents seek to remain socially active after retirement, demand is rising not just for simple hobby classes but for programs that cultivate talent capable of leading their communities. Observers say Gangseo-gu’s decision to invite Korea University faculty directly to the district to run leadership training is closely tied to this broader trend.
Gangseo-gu’s decision to organize university-linked leadership training for local residents is seen as an effort to strengthen its standing as a lifelong learning city while helping residents grow into human resources who can directly lead local development. The curriculum, which spans leadership, economics, art and psychology, is being praised for going beyond simple general-education lectures to potentially foster genuine local leaders.
“Together with Korea University’s outstanding faculty, we have prepared a meaningful program that will help residents build their capabilities as leaders and broaden their wisdom for life,” said Gangseo-gu Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon. “We hope many interested residents who can serve as a strong pillar for Gangseo-gu’s development will take part.” Residents who wish to participate can apply through the Gangseo-gu Office website, and further details are available from the district’s Education Support Division at 02-2600-6982.
송정숙 기자 (한국통합치유협회장) | gangseo@thekoreantoday.com
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