This study was to review the development of lifelong learning cities in Korea and to
analyze characteristics and contributions of Korean lifelong learning cities toward community
learning and development through the case study of Kwangmyung City. Since 2001, the
Korean government has been continuously built and supported lifelong learning cities. The
Project of Building Lifelong Learning Cities has been established on the basis of the
government's legal, administrative, and financial supports. Analyzing the present of Korean
lifelong learning cities, some characteristics of lifelong learning cities in Korea were drawn.
First, it was found that the creation of learning city was initiated by the local government.
Second, the case of Kwangmyung lifelong learning city was not a simple copy of any
existing area, but an area where the combination of living, working, leisure and learning
would be possible in a new innovative way. Third, there was strong will of the central
government to establish lifelong learning city. Finally, one of the purposes of lifelong
learning city in Korea was to bring forth partnership between organizations of public and
governmental organizations. Korean lifelong learning cities have contributed to promote
learning widely to develop effective local partnerships between all sectors of the community.
They also have supported and motivated individuals and employees to participate in
learning activities. Furthermore, they contributed to support widening participation in
lifelong learning for citizens and to promote social community unity. As the conclusion to
the paper, some policy recommendations are suggested to foster lifelong learning cities in
Korea in the future