Lee Myungbak: "A Brighter Future Awaits If You Learn and Prepare"… Special Lecture for the 300th Gyeongbuk Hwagog Meeting

On the 24th, Gyeongsangbuk-do held a commemorative event for the 300th Hwaggong Good Morning Special Lecture, attended by over 200 people including past lecturers, members of the provincial council, heads of public institutions, and staff.

At the event, former President Lee Myung-bak visited the new provincial government building for the first time since the relocation, delivered a congratulatory speech, participated in the publication event of the lecture collection, and added special significance by planting a commemorative tree bearing the inscription "Commemoration of the 300th Hwaggong Good Morning Special Lecture."

Former President Lee Myungbak is delivering a congratulatory speech.

The Hwaggong Special Lecture was launched by Governor Lee Cheolwoo in November 2018, after his inauguration in the 7th popularly elected term, as an early morning study group. It was created with the belief that, in order to adapt to the rapidly changing environment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and lead the era of local success, public officials must be the first to learn and change. In its seventh year, the lecture series has reached its 300th session, establishing itself as the standard for study among local government officials.

Looking at the topics of the past 300 sessions: advanced technology industries accounted for 117 sessions (39%), population, education, and environment for 69 sessions (23%), humanities, communication, and health for 68 sessions (23%), and world trends and cultural tourism for 46 sessions (15%). The number of public officials who attended in person has reached a cumulative 31,000, and since 2021, the YouTube live broadcast has attracted 16,000 viewers, making it a popular learning platform for residents as well.

By inviting top experts and notable figures from Korea and abroad, the lectures and passionate debates have broadened the perspectives of public officials, which has been reflected in the achievements of the provincial administration.

In just the past two years, Gyeongsangbuk-do has attracted the largest number of new national industrial complex candidates (three) and specialized complexes for advanced strategic industries (three) in the country. The region's industry, once centered on steel and electronics, has expanded to include semiconductors, batteries, bio, and energy. Additionally, four universities have been selected as Glocal Universities and eight cities and counties as special education development zones, the highest numbers nationwide, demonstrating tangible results in various forms.

In his congratulatory speech, former President Lee Myung-bak said, "No one can ever defeat a person who studies. Gyeongsangbuk-do has long been a cradle of talent that laid the foundation of the nation and was the driving force behind the creation of Korea. If you lay the groundwork and prepare through learning, Gyeongsangbuk-do will be at the center of opening a brighter future for Korea, no matter the difficulties," expressing his expectations and support.

Governor Lee Cheolwoo of Gyeongsangbuk-do, in his welcoming remarks, said, "It is especially meaningful and a source of pride that former President Lee Myung-bak visited the provincial government office for the first time to offer his congratulations. I would like to thank the lecturers who braved the early mornings to participate in the Hwaggong Special Lecture, and I will strive to make Hwaggong a place where public officials and citizens study together for Korea and for the world, through deeper and broader learning and research," expressing his gratitude and determination.