Dongducheon City Urges Korea National Open University to Reconsider Learning Center Closure, Citing Concerns Over Loss of Local Educational Opportunities

Dongducheon City Has Operated the Korea National Open University Learning Center for 41 Years Since 1985
Strongly Urges the Continued Operation of the Learning Center
Pilot Area for the Special Education Development Zone... Desperate Need to Expand Educational Opportunities

Dongducheon City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Park Hyungdeok) announced on August 6 that it strongly urges the reconsideration of the Korea National Open University's plan to close the Dongducheon Learning Center. The city stated that this decision could deprive citizens of lifelong learning opportunities and further deepen educational imbalances in the region.

A view of Dongducheon City Hall. Provided by Dongducheon City

According to the city, there are currently 296 students enrolled at the Dongducheon Learning Center, which is only four short of its capacity of 300. This figure is based solely on students from the Dongducheon, Pocheon, and Yeoncheon areas. When including students from Yangju and Uijeongbu, which are also part of the practical living sphere, the total number of potential learners is estimated to exceed 2,000.

Dongducheon City emphasized that the learning center is more than just an educational facility; it serves as a key hub providing higher education opportunities for residents in northern Gyeonggi Province who wish to continue their academic pursuits.

In particular, Dongducheon City has been designated as a pilot area for the Special Education Development Zone and is building a tailored learning support system for all life stages, from early childhood to old age. The Dongducheon Learning Center has served as a practical educational infrastructure for citizens who, due to social circumstances, find it difficult to attend regular university classes. It has provided higher education opportunities to a wide range of local residents, including office workers, military personnel, women with career interruptions, and the elderly.

Furthermore, considering the region's geographical characteristics as a border area in northern Gyeonggi Province and the ongoing population outflow caused by unequal access to educational opportunities, the need to maintain the learning center is even more critical.

Dongducheon City has operated the Korea National Open University Learning Center for 41 years since 1985, and stressed that this represents a significant public value as a continuous effort by the local community to expand educational welfare.

An official from Dongducheon City stated, "The closure of the learning center is not simply the shutdown of a single institution, but could undermine the foundation of lifelong education policies that have been built up in the region." The official added, "We will continue to work closely with the Korea National Open University and explore various measures to ensure that citizens can continue to pursue learning opportunities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.