The first National Literacy Education Policy Exhibition in South Korea concluded successfully, showcasing the evolution of literacy education over the past 20 years and its adaptation to the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
Expanding beyond basic reading and writing, the event focused on practical 'functional literacy' skills, including smartphone use, kiosks, and generative AI. Over two days, approximately 20,000 visitors attended, demonstrating widespread public interest in literacy education.
The National Institute for Lifelong Education (NILE) announced on August 30 that the exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Education and organized by NILE, took place at the Cheongju Osco Convention Center from August 27 to 28.
This exhibition was a significant opportunity to share the achievements of 20 years of adult literacy education support policies and to allow the public to experience the future of literacy education expanded into the AI and digital age. An estimated 20,000 literacy learners, teachers, and lifelong education stakeholders visited the event over the two days.
The opening ceremony was attended by key figures, including Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin, NILE Director Kim Wol-yong, National Assembly member Kang Deuk-gu, Chungbuk Education Superintendent Yoon Geon-young, Incheon Education Superintendent Do Sung-hoon, and Chungbuk Deputy Governor Lee Dong-ok. Representatives from academia and related organizations, such as Korea National Open University President Kim Jong-o and EBS President Kim Yu-yeol, also participated.
Documentary, Musical, and AI Golden Bell: A Diverse Communication Platform
The first day featured the documentary 'Literacy: We Are Learning' and a musical gala show 'Incredibly Fun Girls,' marking a vibrant start to the event. This was followed by awards for outstanding contributions to literacy education and the 15th National Adult Literacy Poetry Contest.
Notably, the 'Echoes of Learning Concert' in collaboration with TBN Traffic Broadcasting showcased the inspiring stories of learners who found new lives through education, moving the audience deeply.
On the second day, a conference aimed at enhancing the capabilities of literacy teachers and a national literacy teacher competition were held. Workshops included health literacy education, an AI challenge, and demonstrations of digital literacy (AI) classes, allowing teachers from across the country to share experiences and benchmark effective teaching methods.
Private Sector Collaboration: Literacy Education Enters Daily Life
Three exhibition and experience spaces ('Literacy Meets AI,' 'Literacy Connects the Nation,' and 'Literacy Comes to You via Sunshine Bus') captivated visitors. Various organizations, including Naver and the Korea Road Traffic Authority, demonstrated AI-based literacy education programs, sharing best practices from different regions.
In particular, experience booths operated by private companies like Hana Bank and Woori Bank, along with local lifelong education institutions, provided practical literacy education related to everyday life, such as preventing financial fraud, QR ordering at kiosks, and generative AI experiences, receiving positive feedback.
A participant from Anyang Citizen University, Lee Hyo-soon, expressed, "I captured life photos at the AI photo booth, competed with an Othello robot, and enjoyed augmented reality experiences at the poetry exhibition, fully immersing myself in the diverse activities."
A Naver representative stated, "Through communication with visitors, we recognized the importance of functional literacy education for living in the AI and digital age, and we will continue to support the expansion of literacy education areas needed alongside technological advancements."
Kim Wol-yong, Director of NILE, emphasized, "This policy exhibition is not just a celebration of the past 20 years but a starting point for a new 20 years of literacy education in South Korea. As knowledge and technology evolve, literacy education must connect with a changing society and empower individuals to live their lives proactively. We will continue to expand literacy education in the most accessible ways, ensuring no one is left behind in learning and can share in the new opportunities of the AI and digital era."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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