This presentation aims to share the current status of economic and financial education for Korean adults in the context of preparing for the future of economic education amid a rapidly changing economic environment. To this end, it first explores the need for economic and financial education throughout the life cycle and then reviews various case studies targeting working adults and retirees. Based on these cases, the presentation offers suggestions on the future direction and key tasks of adult economic and financial education.
In Korea, economic and financial education is not yet a familiar or widely accessible form of learning for most adults. Nevertheless, local governments, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, corporations, and lifelong learning institutions are making efforts to provide economic knowledge and enhance financial independence. These initiatives take various forms: economic literacy or personal finance management as part of liberal arts education, entrepreneurship education within vocational training, and financial literacy programs designed specifically for older adults.
Some adults recognize economic and financial education as essential life skills, placing importance on managing their finances effectively. However, many others remain unaware of its significance. If economic and financial education does not become an integral part of everyday education, this awareness gap may continue to widen.
Economic and financial education should help individuals achieve financial stability, strengthen their economic capabilities, and adapt to the evolving economic landscape. Furthermore, it should serve as a form of civic education, enabling individuals to make better economic decisions and fulfill their responsibilities as informed citizens. In this sense, economic and financial education should empower individuals not only to manage their own finances but also to collaborate with others to solve social problems, adapt to change, and create new opportunities in the economy.
To achieve these goals, there must be diverse, accessible learning opportunities tailored to different life stages—especially for working adults and retirees—within their local communities.
For working adults, education should address topics such as financial stability, money management, diversification of income sources, digital finance, and adaptation to e-commerce. For retirees, it should focus on topics such as fraud prevention, retirement fund management, legal aspects of trust and inheritance, and the use of mobile and digital financial tools.
When life-stage-specific and customized economic education is provided as a universal form of learning across the entire lifespan, it will contribute not only to individuals’ financial stability and improved quality of life but also to the overall economic well-being of society.