Assemblyman Gu Stresses the Need for a Regionally Driven Transformation of the E-learning Industry

Assemblyman Proposes Amendment to E-learning Industry Promotion Act
Expanding the Role of Regional E-learning Centers

Assemblyman Gu Jagun (People Power Party, Gumi-si Gap, Gyeongbuk) announced on the 22nd that he has sponsored an amendment to the E-learning Industry Act, which aims to expand the functions of e-learning centers in order to establish a regionally centered e-learning industry ecosystem.

The e-learning industry is a core future industry that has been rapidly growing based on digital transformation and the expansion of remote education. The market size continues to expand, and with the widespread adoption of the internet and the growth of online education, the National Assembly enacted legislation in 2004 to implement policies to promote the industry.

According to the "2024 E-learning Industry Survey" released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the demand market for the e-learning industry in 2024 reached KRW 5.9659 trillion, and the adoption rate of e-learning among domestic businesses increased sharply from 10.6% in 2020 to 38.1% in 2024.

In particular, as e-learning combines with technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, it is being evaluated as an essential foundation that determines overall industrial competitiveness, not just education. The utilization of e-learning is also increasing in various fields such as lifelong education and vocational training, highlighting the need for broad-based support measures.

However, the current law limits the functions of e-learning centers to education, consulting, and human resource development, making it difficult for each center to operate as a regional hub. Especially as the educational gap between the Seoul metropolitan area and other regions widens, there remains a lack of customized education infrastructure led by local communities.

Gu Ja-geun, Member of the National Assembly (People Power Party, Gumi City Gap District, Gyeongbuk)
Photo by Kim Ihwan

In response, the amendment submitted by Assemblyman Gu includes new provisions that allow e-learning centers to: ▲ develop and distribute vocational and lifelong education content linked to local industries; and ▲ establish and operate digital platforms for the utilization of e-learning content.

If the amendment passes the National Assembly, it is expected to help build a customized e-learning system that links local industries and education, and to strengthen digital education infrastructure based in local communities, contributing to the balanced development of the e-learning industry and revitalization of local economies.

Assemblyman Gu stated, "The e-learning industry is evolving beyond simple education to become a key infrastructure that determines national competitiveness," adding, "We will establish a locally driven e-learning ecosystem to simultaneously achieve region-centered industrial development and educational growth."

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