"We cannot ignore the productivity gap stemming from the use of artificial intelligence (AI). We must ensure there is no technological polarization." (Yu Jae-yeon, head of the social subcommittee of the Presidential Committee on AI)
"The AI upheaval is another golden time for the Republic of Korea to leap forward." (Lee Se-young, head of Wrtn Technologies)
The "K-AI Literacy Future Education Forum," convened to discuss ways to enhance AI literacy in Korean society, was held on the 11th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, hosted by lawmaker Cho In-cheol of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Yu presented on "The current state and tasks of AI literacy education in Korea." Yu emphasized that it is important for a wide range of people to use AI. Yu said, "We must ensure that no one falls behind in technology during the AI upheaval so everyone can grow together," and added, "Adults need to create an environment and institutional momentum so people can use AI well."
Lee Se-young, head of Wrtn Technologies, presented on "A roadmap for AI literacy education from a startup perspective," saying, "I believe AI literacy education for the entire population is essential." Wrtn Technologies is currently conducting its business under the vision of "AI for everyone." Its B2C (business-to-consumer) business allows users to use Generative AI for free. For B2B (business-to-business), the company's corporate spin-off (CIC) WrtnAX builds situation-appropriate agentic AI for public institutions and corporations. It also provides training ranging from basic AI competencies to expert development.
Lee said the AI transition resembles the early days of the internet. Lee noted, "Just as free use of electricity and the internet has become taken for granted, easy and low-cost AI use will soon penetrate deeply into people's daily lives." Lee said, "As the government's informatization policies—including the expansion of high-speed internet networks in the 2000s, nurturing IT venture companies, and nationwide informatization education—became a turning point that led the Republic of Korea to become an IT powerhouse, the AI upheaval is once again an opportunity for the nation to leap forward."
Lee said the country needs a one-person-one-AI distribution strategy that allows anyone to use AI, startup nurturing, and age- and job-specific AI literacy education policies. The explanation was that this would enable the Republic of Korea to leap into the world's top three AI powerhouses, create innovative jobs, and narrow the gap in AI utilization.
The United States and Europe are already implementing policies to strengthen AI literacy. The European Union (EU) has enforced mandatory AI literacy policies since February this year. The mandatory AI literacy policy stipulates that corporations developing and using AI systems must provide sufficient education on artificial intelligence to employees and agents who operate or use those systems. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced subsidies to expand K-12 AI education resources earlier this year. In addition, the United States has distributed AI education content and training programs to schools nationwide through federal government-level investment, and some State Governments are making AI education mandatory even for college students.
Lawmaker Cho In-cheol said, "Education in the AI era goes beyond a technical issue and is part of the task of enhancing the capabilities of democratic citizens," adding, "Schools, corporations, and the government must work together to build 'the ability to use AI well.'"
Following the presentations, officials from regional offices of education in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gwangju, Daejeon, North Gyeongsang, and North Chungcheong, youth foundations in Seongnam, Yongin, Cheonan, and Gokseong, and about 30 elementary, middle, and high school teachers nationwide also offered views on AI education models.
Naa-ram, supervisor at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, said, "In the field, AI literacy education is focused on hands-on experiences, which makes it difficult to support step-by-step growth," adding, "AI literacy education needs to take place within the regular curriculum." Kim Cheon-hee, general manager at the Seongnam Youth Foundation, said, "When AI education begins, children under 14 often waste 20 minutes just getting verified, and AI education often ends up as mere skill drills, so more practical education is needed."