This study tries to find out the determinants of the lifelong learning centers operating system. As related policies spread nationwide, the role of lifelong learning centers is growing. Its role is to perform various functions based on the Lifelong Education Act, but it is difficult to establish an appropriate operating system for the Lifelong Learning Center according to the size and situation of each city. Therefore, this study aims to develop the determinant factors so that local governments can determine the operating system of lifelong learning centers in consideration of local conditions. To this end, Delphi surveys and AHP analysis were conducted on experts in related fields, focusing on the case of Gwangmyeong-city. According to the research results, two areas and ten sub-items were derived as indicators for judging the lifelong learning center operation system. Detailed indicators consist of the areas of lifelong learning city performance, including their delivery system, citizen participation system, civic competency improvement, drive, and the area of sustainable management, including expertise, cooperative governance, publicness, autonomy, employment stability, and flexibility. In order to utilize the analyzed determinants, the importance of each item was analyzed and the weight was obtained. In general, the weight of lifelong learning city performance areas was high, indicating that it was more important to establish a lifelong education system throughout the city so that all citizens could participate in learning than the management of lifelong learning centers. As factors derived from the study, it was confirmed that it is important for the Lifelong Learning Center, which is a central institution and think tank for lifelong learning policy development and implementation, to implement collection of professional manpower, develop and operate civic-led education, and to practice local networks. Therefore, this study presents criteria for determining whether these roles can be performed well for each existing operating system of direct management, private consignment, and foundation.