Free differentiated lifelong learning programs such as traditional tea meditation and digital literacy
Participants in the senior program learning about traditional tea
A new challenge for seniors finding vitality through traditional tea and meditation
Dongdaemun's ‘Once Again School’ offers wisdom for the second act of life
Oh Ji-hyun / Editor of Healing News
“A cup of tea adds depth to life. Time spent finding inner peace through meditation and traditional tea is an invaluable gift for our seniors.”
This is a statement from a senior who participated in the traditional tea meditation program held at the Dongdaemun Lifelong Learning Center last year. This program, which goes beyond simple education to share life experiences and inject new vitality, has returned this year.
The Dongdaemun District (Mayor Lee Pil-hyung) will officially operate the ‘Great! Dongdaemun - Once Again School’ program starting in June as part of its local lifelong education activation support project. This program focuses on providing opportunities for challenge and growth to seniors aged 56 and older who are entering the golden years of life.
A special time where meditation meets traditional culture
Notably, this program features the ‘Traditional Tea Utilization Meditation & Life Experience Sharing’ course. This course, running from August 19 to October 28 over 10 sessions, combines our traditional tea culture with meditation to teach participants how to find inner peace.
Meditation expert Park Ji-hye emphasizes, “The process of brewing tea itself can be a form of meditation. Focusing on one’s breath and thoughts during the time the tea is steeping is a necessary time for modern people to find mental stability.”
This course does not simply teach how to drink tea. Participants share their life experiences and wisdom through tea, forming a sense of community. Kim Young-ja (68), a participant from last year, said, “The time spent sharing stories over tea was the most precious,” and “I felt a great sense of fulfillment knowing that my experiences could help others.”
Efforts to avoid being left behind in the digital world
This program in Dongdaemun is structured with a balanced curriculum that encompasses both tradition and modernity. The ‘Digital Literacy Education’ running from June 12 to August 14 is designed to help seniors avoid being marginalized in the rapidly changing digital environment.
It consists of practical content that builds essential digital skills for real life, from basic smartphone usage to kiosk utilization and mobile financial services. In particular, it also teaches how to use meditation apps through digital devices, providing ways to easily practice meditation in daily life.
Sharing wisdom through ‘Senior Korean Language Teaching’
The ‘Senior Korean Language Teaching’ program starting on June 10 offers participants the opportunity to contribute their acquired literacy skills to multicultural families or those in need of Korean language learning.
“Learning is completed through sharing. There are many neighbors who need the linguistic wisdom you possess.” This is a statement from Lee Soon-young, the instructor for Korean language education. Through this course, seniors discover a new identity as knowledge transmitters rather than just learners.
Seniors communicating in the digital age through video
Finally, the ‘Senior Video Media’ course starting on August 21 is a time for participants to learn how to express their stories through video. From simple video production using smartphones to editing and sharing, seniors will learn new ways to communicate in the digital age.
In particular, this course also teaches how to create ‘mindfulness video diaries’ that record moments of meditation and daily life. The goal is to promote inner growth by recording and sharing one’s peaceful moments.
High-quality education provided for free
This program in Dongdaemun is particularly meaningful as all courses are offered for free. Seniors have the opportunity to participate in high-quality programs without the burden of educational costs, opening doors to learning for all seniors regardless of their economic circumstances.
Seniors aged 56 and older who wish to participate can apply through the Dongdaemun Lifelong Learning Center website starting May 26. A total of 30 participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and detailed times, content, and instructor information for each lecture can be checked on the website before applying.
Mayor Lee Pil-hyung stated, “I hope residents will enjoy a vibrant old age through the Great! Dongdaemun - Once Again School,” and added, “We will continue to strive to provide differentiated lifelong learning programs unique to Dongdaemun.”
From meditation and traditional tea to enhancing digital capabilities and talent donation – this program in Dongdaemun is a comprehensive support project that helps seniors achieve holistic growth and social participation beyond simple education. For seniors in Dongdaemun looking to start new challenges in their golden years, the ‘Once Again School’ will be a special place for learning.