UNESCO Learning City Awardee 2024Eunpyeong-gu, Republic of Korea
Eunpyeong-gu, a district of Seoul, Republic of Korea, has transformed itself into a dynamic learning city where lifelong learning opportunities are accessible to all.
Guided by its vision of "a learning society with a million learnings to enjoy," Eunpyeong-gu has embedded lifelong learning into its policies, prioritizing civic engagement, environmental sustainability and inclusivity.
Since joining the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016, the district has adopted a citizen-led approach to learning, fostering collaboration between public institutions, civil society organizations and local stakeholders.
Guided by its vision of "a learning society with a million learnings to enjoy," Eunpyeong-gu has embedded lifelong learning into its policies, prioritizing civic engagement, environmental sustainability and inclusivity.
Since joining the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016, the district has adopted a citizen-led approach to learning, fostering collaboration between public institutions, civil society organizations and local stakeholders.
Me-Kyung KimMayor of Eunpyeong-gu Office
Dear UIL, GNLC member cities, and everyone involved in Jubail City,
This is Kim Me-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu. It is a pleasure to meet you. Eunpyeong-gu is located in South Korea. It is widely recognized as a leading city in achieving carbon neutrality. The secret to this achievement lies in our strong commitment to lifelong learning.
To implement a 'sustainable city,' the residents of Eunpyeong-gu actively study environmental issues and implement these learnings in their daily lives. This approach fosters 'small but significant changes' in our community. For example, we have: created a 'carbon-neutral street' within our neighbourhoods; engaged teenagers in planning a 'waste reduction project' through their school curriculum, and established a community-wide 'domestic waste separation system,' where all residents participate.
In this way, Eunpyeong-gu integrates environmental practices into everyday life while offering ongoing 'climate change education.' Moving forward, through lifelong learning,we aim to inspire every resident to make a difference. Together, we hope to become a 'Eunpyeong' to address our community's challenges. We deeply admire your efforts in building learning cities and look forward to continued collaboration with fellow member cities.
Thank you!
This is Kim Me-kyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu. It is a pleasure to meet you. Eunpyeong-gu is located in South Korea. It is widely recognized as a leading city in achieving carbon neutrality. The secret to this achievement lies in our strong commitment to lifelong learning.
To implement a 'sustainable city,' the residents of Eunpyeong-gu actively study environmental issues and implement these learnings in their daily lives. This approach fosters 'small but significant changes' in our community. For example, we have: created a 'carbon-neutral street' within our neighbourhoods; engaged teenagers in planning a 'waste reduction project' through their school curriculum, and established a community-wide 'domestic waste separation system,' where all residents participate.
In this way, Eunpyeong-gu integrates environmental practices into everyday life while offering ongoing 'climate change education.' Moving forward, through lifelong learning,we aim to inspire every resident to make a difference. Together, we hope to become a 'Eunpyeong' to address our community's challenges. We deeply admire your efforts in building learning cities and look forward to continued collaboration with fellow member cities.
Thank you!
Citizenship, organization, empowerment, and resilience
Underpinned by the core values of citizenship, empowerment and resilience, Eunpyeong-gu connects lifelong learning with local priorities, such as urban regeneration and community development.
Its second Plan for the Development of Lifelong Learning City (2020–2024) focuses on creating a robust lifelong learning ecosystem, with programmes offered in almost 100 neighbourhood spaces.
These efforts have made Eunpyeong-gu a model for integrating lifelong learning into every aspect of city life.
Its second Plan for the Development of Lifelong Learning City (2020–2024) focuses on creating a robust lifelong learning ecosystem, with programmes offered in almost 100 neighbourhood spaces.
These efforts have made Eunpyeong-gu a model for integrating lifelong learning into every aspect of city life.
Neighbourhood Learning Spaces
Eunpyeong-gu has established a “short-distance lifelong learning system” by identifying and opening diverse community spaces, such as libraries, craft workshops, and coffee shops, for lifelong learning activities.
Known as Neighbourhood Learning Spaces, these venues provide opportunities for residents to engage in learning close to home. Between 2020 and 2023, more than 515 programmes offered tailored learning opportunities to meet local needs.
The city ensures inclusivity by assigning lifelong learning activists to assist digitally disadvantaged individuals and learners with disabilities. These activists provide essential support, enabling wider participation in programmes and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Known as Neighbourhood Learning Spaces, these venues provide opportunities for residents to engage in learning close to home. Between 2020 and 2023, more than 515 programmes offered tailored learning opportunities to meet local needs.
The city ensures inclusivity by assigning lifelong learning activists to assist digitally disadvantaged individuals and learners with disabilities. These activists provide essential support, enabling wider participation in programmes and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Sun-heeLifelong learning activist (Eunpyeong Lifelong Learning Center)
Hello, everyone. I’m Sun-hee, a lifelong learning activist called ‘PyeongHaki’ in Eunpyeong. This May, I participated in the lifelong learning activist training programme.
After completing the training program, I have been working as an activist on the first floor of the Lifelong Learning Center, providing lifelong learning information to residents and supporting lifelong learning for the vulnerable.
I will continue to work as a Pyeonghaki in Eunpyeong and help residents become more interested and engaged in lifelong learning.
After completing the training program, I have been working as an activist on the first floor of the Lifelong Learning Center, providing lifelong learning information to residents and supporting lifelong learning for the vulnerable.
I will continue to work as a Pyeonghaki in Eunpyeong and help residents become more interested and engaged in lifelong learning.
Inclusive education for people with disabilities
Eunpyeong-gu has taken significant steps to expand learning opportunities for people with disabilities. Through a dedicated lifelong learning network, the city engages focal institutions across five areas to develop inclusive programmes tailored to the needs of learners with disabilities.
These programmes cover a range of topics, including social integration, occupational skills, and cultural arts, while promoting interaction between generations.
Additionally, Eunpyeong-gu offers annual capacity-building courses for instructors and activists, helping them better understand and support learners with disabilities. These efforts have enhanced social integration and empowered individuals with disabilities to participate actively in the community.
These programmes cover a range of topics, including social integration, occupational skills, and cultural arts, while promoting interaction between generations.
Additionally, Eunpyeong-gu offers annual capacity-building courses for instructors and activists, helping them better understand and support learners with disabilities. These efforts have enhanced social integration and empowered individuals with disabilities to participate actively in the community.
Online learning for all
To ensure barrier-free access to lifelong learning, Eunpyeong-gu has developed “Eunpyeong Baeum Moa,” an integrated online learning platform. Available as a mobile app and website, the platform offers a variety of courses on civic education, environmental awareness, and community engagement. As of 2024, it has over 21,400 registered users and attracts more than 1,000 daily visitors.
Complementing the platform, the city utilizes social media channels such as YouTube and Instagram to share learning resources, archive activities, and engage citizens.
Complementing the platform, the city utilizes social media channels such as YouTube and Instagram to share learning resources, archive activities, and engage citizens.
Education for sustainable development
Eunpyeong-gu is committed to sustainability through initiatives like its “carbon-neutral neighbourhoods” programme. In 2023, the city designated a 650-meter stretch of Eunpyeong-ro 21-gil as a pilot carbon-neutral street, featuring eco-friendly pedestrian areas, solar-powered streetlights, and green walls. Building on this success, the city plans to create carbon-neutral neighbourhoods across all 16 wards in 2024.
Key activities include training child botanical guides, developing zero-carbon education curricula in partnership with Seoul National University, and organizing waste reduction projects with local schools. These initiatives raise awareness and inspire community-led actions for a low-carbon lifestyle.
Key activities include training child botanical guides, developing zero-carbon education curricula in partnership with Seoul National University, and organizing waste reduction projects with local schools. These initiatives raise awareness and inspire community-led actions for a low-carbon lifestyle.
Village Exploration Project
The Village Exploration Project in Eunpyeong bridges classroom learning with real-world experiences. Since 2015, it has connected primary school curricula with local community tours, creating an educational ecosystem where living and learning intertwine.
Targeting students aged 10–12 and their teachers, the project fosters understanding of cultural heritage, local history, and natural resources through tailored tours that combine study, play, and hands-on activities. Schools and community stakeholders collaborate to offer a rich, integrated learning experience.
In 2024, the project expanded to address ecological challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. It also launched an Eco-Environmental Village Instructor course, training locals to link village life with environmental education and boost students’ climate awareness.
Targeting students aged 10–12 and their teachers, the project fosters understanding of cultural heritage, local history, and natural resources through tailored tours that combine study, play, and hands-on activities. Schools and community stakeholders collaborate to offer a rich, integrated learning experience.
In 2024, the project expanded to address ecological challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. It also launched an Eco-Environmental Village Instructor course, training locals to link village life with environmental education and boost students’ climate awareness.
Gyeonghwa ImEducator
Hello, I am Gyeonghwa Im, a lifelong educator actively working in Eunpyeong, a Lifelong Learning City in Korea.
The Village Exploration Project was designed with two key objectives in mind.
First, to operate village exploration programs utilizing diverse local resources, helping elementary school students gain a deeper understanding of our region. Through visits to sites connected with Eunpyeong's history, cultural heritage, and ecological environment, as well as engaging in various forms of play and hands-on experiences, students are encouraged to develop affection and pride in the area they call home.
Second, to nurture local activists capable of running these village exploration programs and to actively support their activities. This year, in particular, the training programs have focused on fostering an understanding of the local ecosystem and strengthening the capacity to respond to climate change. Participants in the training courses are growing into instructors who, using the educational content they have developed, lead exploration programs that connect directly with the local community. This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also creates employment opportunities within the region.
To learn more about the Village Exploration Project, please visit Eunpyeong, the Lifelong Learning City. Thank you.
The Village Exploration Project was designed with two key objectives in mind.
First, to operate village exploration programs utilizing diverse local resources, helping elementary school students gain a deeper understanding of our region. Through visits to sites connected with Eunpyeong's history, cultural heritage, and ecological environment, as well as engaging in various forms of play and hands-on experiences, students are encouraged to develop affection and pride in the area they call home.
Second, to nurture local activists capable of running these village exploration programs and to actively support their activities. This year, in particular, the training programs have focused on fostering an understanding of the local ecosystem and strengthening the capacity to respond to climate change. Participants in the training courses are growing into instructors who, using the educational content they have developed, lead exploration programs that connect directly with the local community. This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also creates employment opportunities within the region.
To learn more about the Village Exploration Project, please visit Eunpyeong, the Lifelong Learning City. Thank you.
Lifelong Learning Festivals Day of Empathy
Eunpyeong-gu’s Day of Empathy is an annual celebration that highlights the district's commitment to lifelong learning and showcases the achievements of learners and instructors.
The festival, bringing together 77 citizen clubs, fosters a culture of accessible learning, allowing attendees to engage in interactive booths, enjoy live performances, and participate in themed activities designed by learners and instructors.
Beyond celebrating learning achievements, the festival also sparked community engagement; 15 citizen clubs initiated local volunteer projects following the event, supported by follow-up education and budget assistance. These efforts exemplify how the Day of Empathy enhances unity and strengthens social cohesion within the community.
The festival, bringing together 77 citizen clubs, fosters a culture of accessible learning, allowing attendees to engage in interactive booths, enjoy live performances, and participate in themed activities designed by learners and instructors.
Beyond celebrating learning achievements, the festival also sparked community engagement; 15 citizen clubs initiated local volunteer projects following the event, supported by follow-up education and budget assistance. These efforts exemplify how the Day of Empathy enhances unity and strengthens social cohesion within the community.
Lifelong Learning Festivals Literacy Education
Eunpyeong-gu’s literacy education festivals have been a cornerstone of the city’s efforts to promote inclusive learning since their inception in 2018.
These festivals serve as an empowering platform for older adults, people with disabilities, and migrant women—groups that have traditionally lacked access to formal educational opportunities.
By collaborating with 14 literacy education institutions, the city creates an enriching environment where participants can showcase their achievements, network with peers, and strengthen their sense of belonging to the community.
The festivals feature activities such as poetry and painting competitions, collaborative art displays, and award ceremonies that celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of literacy learners.
These initiatives not only improve social cohesion but also inspire personal growth and community leadership. Alumni reunions further motivate learners by fostering continued interaction and expanding their social networks, ensuring that the impact of these festivals extends far beyond the event itself.
These festivals serve as an empowering platform for older adults, people with disabilities, and migrant women—groups that have traditionally lacked access to formal educational opportunities.
By collaborating with 14 literacy education institutions, the city creates an enriching environment where participants can showcase their achievements, network with peers, and strengthen their sense of belonging to the community.
The festivals feature activities such as poetry and painting competitions, collaborative art displays, and award ceremonies that celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of literacy learners.
These initiatives not only improve social cohesion but also inspire personal growth and community leadership. Alumni reunions further motivate learners by fostering continued interaction and expanding their social networks, ensuring that the impact of these festivals extends far beyond the event itself.
Collecting valuable feedback for quality programming
Eunpyeong-gu has established a citizen-centred feedback mechanism to ensure its lifelong learning programmes remain relevant, effective, and inclusive. Feedback is collected through surveys, focus group discussions, and town hall meetings, allowing residents to share their needs, experiences, and suggestions for improvement.
This participatory approach enables the city to refine its programmes continuously. For instance, data gathered from learners and local stakeholders helped shape the curriculum of Neighbourhood Learning Spaces and online platforms, ensuring they align with the community's evolving priorities.
The feedback mechanism has also strengthened trust and collaboration between citizens and policymakers, reinforcing a shared commitment to lifelong learning.
This participatory approach enables the city to refine its programmes continuously. For instance, data gathered from learners and local stakeholders helped shape the curriculum of Neighbourhood Learning Spaces and online platforms, ensuring they align with the community's evolving priorities.
The feedback mechanism has also strengthened trust and collaboration between citizens and policymakers, reinforcing a shared commitment to lifelong learning.
Eunpyeong-gu: A model for citizen-driven lifelong learning and sustainability
Eunpyeong-gu exemplifies a citizen-driven approach to lifelong learning, integrating education into the fabric of daily life and addressing critical social and environmental challenges.
Through its innovative programmes, inclusive policies, and commitment to sustainability, the city has become a leading example of how learning can empower communities, foster resilience, and build a brighter future for all.
Through its innovative programmes, inclusive policies, and commitment to sustainability, the city has become a leading example of how learning can empower communities, foster resilience, and build a brighter future for all.
The UNESCO Learning City Awards
The UNESCO Learning City Award was established to further promote lifelong learning for all and showcase good practices in building learning cities. It is conferred on cities that have achieved outstanding progress in this regard. All awardee cities have demonstrated best practices that lay the foundation for sustainable development.
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) supports and improves the practice of lifelong learning in member cities by promoting policy dialogue and peer learning, documenting effective strategies and good practice, fostering partnerships, providing capacity development, and developing tools and instruments to design, implement and monitor learning cities strategies.
UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
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UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
© Stock for you / Shutterstock.com; City of Eunpyeong-gu; Imtmphoto / Shutterstock.com; Metamorworks / Shutterstock.com; Aslysun / Shutterstock.com; Best Shutter JOA / Shutterstock.com; Getty Images Pro / Stock Good
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Eunpyeong-gu, Republic of Korea
Me-Kyung Kim
Citizenship, organization, empowerment, and resilience
Neighbourhood Learning Spaces
Sun-hee
Inclusive education for people with disabilities
Online learning for all
Education for sustainable development
Village Exploration Project
Gyeonghwa Im
Lifelong Learning Festivals
Lifelong Learning Festivals
Collecting valuable feedback for quality programming
Eunpyeong-gu: A model for citizen-driven lifelong learning and sustainability
The UNESCO Learning City Awards
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities