Eunpyeong Mayor Kim Mikyung to Hold Publication Ceremony for "Kim Mikyung's Lifelong Learning City Story" on February 8

Revealing the Secrets Behind Winning the UNESCO Learning City Award

The publication ceremony for "Kim Mikyung's Lifelong Learning City Story," the fourth book by Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District in Seoul, will be held on February 8 next month from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Lee Ho-cheol Book Concert Hall (767 Tongil-ro, Eunpyeong District, 2nd floor).

Cover of "Kim Mikyung's Lifelong Learning City Story." Provided by Eunpyeong District Office.

This new book is a practical manual that chronicles Mayor Kim's journey in transforming Eunpyeong District into a "Lifelong Learning City" during her tenure as a two-term mayor. It consists of a total of six chapters, covering everything from the philosophy of lifelong learning to the specific process of implementing policies.

The book introduces Eunpyeong District's unique lifelong learning models, such as "One Neighborhood, One University" and "Learning Centers Within Five Minutes." A representative example is the "One Neighborhood, One University" initiative, in which all 16 administrative neighborhoods sign financial business agreements with different local universities, designate community centers as campuses, and operate higher education programs tailored to the characteristics of each area.

It also details customized learning strategies for all generations, from infants to seniors, as well as the learning infrastructure established by Eunpyeong District, including 177 lifelong education institutions and eight large libraries. The book addresses obstacles to lifelong learning and ways to overcome them, and proposes a sustainable "K-Lifelong Learning Strategy."

Since being elected as the 20th mayor in 2018, Mayor Kim has focused on transforming Eunpyeong District into a lifelong learning city. As a result, Eunpyeong District received the "Learning City Award" from UNESCO in December of last year.

Mayor Kim was elected with the highest vote share (65.4%) among first-term mayors in 2018, after serving as a member of the Eunpyeong District Council, Seoul Metropolitan Council, and spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea. She currently serves as President of the National Lifelong Learning City Council and President of the Council for Good Local Governments.

In the book's foreword, she wrote, "On the night of martial law, December 3, 2024, Eunpyeong District received the UNESCO Learning City Award," and added, "I believe the most fundamental reason why the great people were able to prevent martial law was 'learning.'" She emphasized, "This is because the people have consistently internalized democracy, the Constitution, human rights, and civic consciousness over the past several decades."

The publication ceremony was originally scheduled for January 31, but was rescheduled due to the funeral of former Prime Minister Lee Haechan, who passed away on January 25. The funeral will be held as an official and social ceremony from January 27 to 31.

[Publication Ceremony Overview]

▲ Date & Time: February 8, 2026 (Sunday), 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

▲ Venue: Lee Ho-cheol Book Concert Hall (767 Tongil-ro, Eunpyeong District, 2nd floor of the commercial building)

▲ Main Program: Author introduction, photo session, autograph signing, and more