6:1 Competition for Free 'Youth AI Academy' in Gangnam... Earns an 'A' Rating

9-Week Practical Training Completed
91.1 Points for Intention to Apply AI in the Workplace

On September 3, Gangnam District Office in Seoul (Mayor Hyun Ki Kim) announced that the “2026 Gangnam Youth AI Academy,” which was run for young office workers, has completed its 9-week program. The 40 participating young professionals learned how to utilize generative AI agents after work and implemented projects that could be directly applied to real tasks, including automating end-of-month settlements and supporting R&D permits.

Hyun-Ki Kim, Mayor of Gangnam District (second from right in the front row), and Dongjin Ko, Member of the National Assembly (first), are taking a commemorative photo with young people after the performance report meeting. Provided by Gangnam District.

On September 2, the district held a performance sharing session at Gureum Square Gangnam and presented the project outcomes of the trainees. Originally planned for 30 participants, the academy increased its intake to 40 due to a 6:1 competition ratio during recruitment. The training was held every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from July 7 to September 2.

The program was operated in two fields: bio/healthcare and IT services. After learning the basic principles of generative AI and designing “AI agents” that can independently perform multiple work steps, the trainees refined ways to apply these agents to their own work through field-specific practice and professional mentoring.

At the performance sharing session, deliverables that could be immediately used at work were showcased. Trainees presented projects such as automated end-of-month settlements, business data tools, a system in which multiple AIs divide roles to manage work and project outcomes, AI agents that support R&D permits for pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical devices, as well as AI agents recommending customized meal plans based on individual needs.

In a satisfaction survey conducted after the course, the intention to utilize AI and AI agents in actual work scored 91.1 points out of 100. Overall satisfaction with the training was 86 points, intention to participate in subsequent training scored 86.7, and intention to join community or seminar activities reached 87.8 points.

The event also featured team project presentations and an awards ceremony for outstanding projects. National Assembly member Dong Jin Ko gave a special lecture on the “Meaning of Work,” sharing his experiences and career philosophy with the trainees.

Mayor Hyun Ki Kim stated, “It is especially meaningful that the young participants not only learned about AI but also created real outcomes for improving their own work,” and added, “We will continue to expand practical, field-oriented education courses for immediate AI application to further strengthen young people’s competitiveness.”

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