Government driven partnership for lifelong learning in Korea: a case study of four cities

Abstract

This case study1, 2 investigated the reality of lifelong learning partnerships in four cities in Korea based on IPA (Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis). With the emphasis on lifelong learning grounded on a global knowledge economy‐focused approach, the Korean government has taken initiatives to facilitate it through the administrative educational network at the local level. In this trend, this study attempted to understand its reality in view of the experiences of people in local lifelong learning institutions through interviews. In conclusion, the positive influence of the governmental initiative was not commonly agreed upon due to the different backgrounds and circumstances of each region. However, it was found that the four cities (Donggu, Jangsung, Yeonsu, and Kwangmyung) investigated in this research already had or were beginning to have their unique local network of lifelong learning, which implies that the key role of government could still work as a strong driving force in the future, yet, only when accompanied by a trusted partnership among local sectors so that the process and outcome of lifelong learning can interactively contribute to the local community.