The first integrated lifelong learning expo, bringing together lifelong learners from Jeonnam and Gwangju since the establishment of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, will take place in Yeosu.
The expo, themed "Navigating Learning, Towards Connection," will be held at the Yeosu World Expo from October 16 to 17, as announced on the 13th.
Jointly hosted by the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education, the event is co-organized by the Jeonnam and Gwangju Lifelong Education Promotion Institute and Yeosu City. Approximately 1,000 lifelong learners and literacy education participants from the region are expected to attend.
This year's expo expands from its previous focus on Jeonnam to include participation from Gwangju and five autonomous districts, aligning with the launch of the integrated special city.
The expo will feature over 100 promotional and experiential booths from lifelong learning institutions and organizations. Each institution will showcase its achievements and projects in lifelong learning for the year, along with hands-on programs for citizens.
Key programs include an adult literacy education poetry exhibition, a learning club competition, an exhibition of works, the literacy Golden Bell, and a senior model runway and health event. Participants will also share their experiences and achievements gained through lifelong learning.
On the first day, October 16, a learning club competition will take place before the opening ceremony, which starts at 2 p.m. Following the ceremony, actor Yoo Jun-sang will participate in a talk concert.
Yoo Jun-sang will discuss "The Changes Life Brings Through Endless Repetition," engaging with citizens about how learning and challenges can transform lives.
On October 17, learners embarking on a second chapter in life through lifelong learning will take the stage for the "Senior Model Runway & Health" and the literacy Golden Bell.
A program showcasing the achievements of adult literacy education learners will also draw attention. Notably, Jeong Young-hee, a learner who received the Minister of Education's award at the national adult literacy poetry exhibition, will recite her poetry, along with other learners demonstrating their skills honed through literacy education.
The integrated special city anticipates that this event will serve as a platform for lifelong learners from Jeonnam and Gwangju to share and exchange experiences beyond mere exhibition of achievements.
Kang Seok-woon, head of the Hope Talent Development Division of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, stated, "It is meaningful to hold the first integrated expo for lifelong learners from Jeonnam and Gwangju in Yeosu, where the World Island Expo is taking place. I hope this expo will foster unity between Jeonnam and Gwangju through learning and exchange, allowing citizens to feel the changes of integration in their daily lives."
This expo marks the first integrated event since the establishment of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, providing a space for learning exchanges across regions and generations through exhibitions, experiences, performances, and literacy education programs over the two days.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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