The Seoul city government is expanding its "AI 디지털배움터" program to 69 locations to teach citizens how to use artificial intelligence [1].
This initiative aims to prevent the elderly from being left behind as AI becomes integrated into daily life. By providing practical training, the city seeks to narrow the digital divide that often isolates seniors from modern essential services.
The program, which first launched in 2021 [2], has grown significantly to meet current demand. The number of learning centers has increased from 37 to 69 [1]. This expansion is supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, with pilot sites already operating in Gangseo-gu and Jungnang-gu.
City officials have set an ambitious target for the program's reach. A Seoul city official said the government plans to provide AI education to 100,000 people [3]. The curriculum focuses on practical applications that improve quality of life, such as using AI for health inquiries, or navigating digital interfaces.
For some participants, the training provides more than just technical skills. Yun Taek-sil said that receiving the education gave her a sense of confidence and the feeling that she could succeed in using the technology [4].
Other seniors are using the tools to manage health concerns in real time. Kim Deok-kwon said he demonstrated the practical utility of the training by asking an AI about symptoms, such as a sudden headache and mild fever, to determine the necessary prescription or action [4].
The expansion reflects a broader strategy to ensure that the rapid adoption of generative AI does not create a new class of digitally disenfranchised citizens. By placing these hubs in local neighborhoods, the city intends to make AI literacy accessible to those who lack private access to high-end technology.
“The number of learning centers has increased from 37 to 69.”
Seoul's aggressive expansion of AI literacy hubs indicates a shift in public policy from basic internet access to AI fluency. As South Korea continues to lead in technology infrastructure, the government is recognizing that hardware availability is insufficient if the aging population cannot interact with AI-driven healthcare and administrative systems. This model suggests that urban centers may increasingly treat AI literacy as a fundamental social service rather than an optional skill.
