Seoul’s Seocho District is expanding artificial intelligence (AI) education for all generations and integrating AI technology into public administration to accelerate the creation of a smart city.
Seocho District is systematically running AI education programs tailored for all age groups, from teenagers to seniors and public officials. The programs include ‘Resident Digital Literacy Education’ for general residents, ‘School Visit AI Education,’ and ‘Smart Academy’ targeting elementary, middle, and high school students. At the Smart Senior Education Center, senior citizens learn how to use digital devices and applications like ChatGPT.
There are also practical training courses for young adults. Through the ‘Seocho AI College’ and ‘Digital Competency Enhancement Education,’ over 120 individuals have completed these programs. The ‘Regional Intelligence Innovation Talent Training Project,’ in collaboration with Soongsil University, supports working professionals in obtaining their master’s and doctoral degrees. Starting in September, a preparatory course for the nationally certified AI exam AICE (AI Certificate for Everyone) will also be offered.
Educational opportunities for public officials are being strengthened as well. Regular lectures and practical workshops on ChatGPT utilization, big data, and AI-based public services are being conducted. In June, a ‘Generative AI Competition for Employees’ was held to assess its practical applicability.
Seocho District is pushing to establish the ‘AI Future Talent Training Ordinance’ to institutionalize their support for AI talent development. They plan to utilize local educational facilities, such as Smart Edu Centers, libraries, and lifelong learning centers, and to expand educational infrastructure centered on residential areas through specialized education hubs for seniors, young adults, and youth.
Seocho District Chief, Seong-soo Jeon, stated, “AI is a competency that every generation should be utilizing in their daily lives. We aim to lead the digital transformation era through accessible education for everyone.”
