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2025 Seoul Lifelong Learning Voucher: Get KRW 350,000 in Free Education Benefits

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πŸŽ“ What Is the 2025 Seoul Lifelong Learning Voucher?

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is offering its Lifelong Learning Voucher again in 2025.

This public benefit program provides up to KRW 350,000 per person, loaded onto an NH Nonghyup (NH) credit card, which can be used to pay for eligible educational courses at registered institutions.

⚠️ Eligibility is limited to South Korean citizens who are registered residents of Seoul.

πŸ“Œ How to Apply – Step-by-Step

  1. Check Public Notice – Visit your local Seoul district website or main application site
  2. Apply Online – Complete identity verification, agree to terms, fill out the application
  3. Eligibility Verification – The system checks your resident status and other requirements
  4. Card Issuance – Get an NH Nonghyup β€œCha-eum” card or recharge an existing one
  5. Search for Eligible Institutions – Use the official search page
  6. Use the Card – Pay online or offline at approved learning institutions

βœ… As of June 2025, a second round of applications is open from June 26 (10:00 AM) to July 10 (6:00 PM).

The voucher types and age requirements are:

  • General: Seoul residents age 19+ (excluding Gangseo-gu)
  • Digital: Seoul residents age 30+ (all districts)
  • Senior: Seoul residents age 65+ (all districts)
  • Disabled: Registered disabled persons in Jung-gu, Dongdaemun-gu, Jungnang-gu, and Seodaemun-gu

πŸ’³ What Courses Can You Take?

You can use the voucher at registered learning centers to take classes like:

  • Pilates, yoga, Zumba, and other health/fitness programs
  • Certificate prep courses: social worker, barista, Korean language teacher, computer literacy, etc.
  • Digital skills: Excel, PowerPoint, mobile phone use, blogging
  • Languages: English conversation, basic Japanese, HSK Chinese
  • Arts & culture: drawing, classical music, photo editing, and more

Most of these are available online, making it easy to study flexibly from home.

⚠️ Important Notes on Use

  • You must use the voucher under your own name (no transfers or proxy use)
  • It can only be used for courses that begin in 2025
  • Textbook costs are only covered if included in the course fee (no book-only purchases)
  • ❌ Not allowed for:
    • Ebook/PDF-only materials
    • Courses for children or teens (even with parent)
    • Equipment or device purchases
    • Exam or certificate fees, delivery fees, and other service charges

πŸ’‘ Any unused balance will expire and cannot be carried over.

🚨 Misuse Can Lead to Legal Penalties

Because this is a publicly funded program, any misuse is subject to legal consequences.

  • Do not sell, lend, or misuse your voucher
  • Violations may result in a fine (up to KRW 10 million) or imprisonment (up to 1 year)
  • If found guilty, you may also be banned from future participation

(Refer to Lifelong Education Act Articles 16-3 and 45-3)

βœ… Final Thoughts: A Great Benefit for Seoul Citizens

If you’re planning to study, get certified, or improve your health this year, this is a great opportunity to do it for free.

I’ll be applying this round as well β€” hoping to use the voucher for either a Pilates class or a HSK course near my home 😊

πŸ“Œ Keywords: lifelong learning voucher, Seoul benefits 2025, free classes in Korea, certificate courses, NH Nonghyup Cha-eum card

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