Is This Really Free? The Best Free Youth AI Training Found in Gangnam and Gwanak Districts

Fully Free, Hands-On Courses
Gangnam Program Completed, Gwanak Launches on September 3

"Is it really this good for free?" This is a common reaction among young people these days, as a series of free AI training programs are being launched in Seoul’s Gangnam and Gwanak districts.

Commemorative photo taken after the Youth AI Academy performance report meeting on the 2nd. Provided by Gangnam-gu.

Gangnam District recently completed its nine-week program successfully, while Gwanak District started its one-month program on September 3. Both programs are notable not only because there is no tuition fee at all, but also because they go beyond just lectures, emphasizing hands-on practice and projects students can build and use themselves.

First, in Gangnam District, the "2026 Gangnam Youth AI Academy" concluded on September 3, with 40 young professionals completing the nine-week course. Initially, only 30 participants were going to be selected, but the fierce competition ratio of 6 to 1 led to the class size being expanded to 40. From July 7, trainees attended class every Tuesday and Wednesday evening after work, learning how to utilize generative AI agents.

The results were evident in their final projects. Divided into two groups—bio/healthcare and IT services—the participants showcased their work at the "Cloud Square Gangnam Results Sharing Meeting" on September 2: an automated tool for monthly account reconciliation, an AI agent to assist with R&D licensing in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical devices, and a personalized diet recommendation AI. These were all practical tools that could be used in the workplace immediately. The intention to actively use AI in their actual work scored 91.1 out of 100, and willingness to participate again was 86.7, reflecting high overall satisfaction.

Hyunki Kim, Mayor of Gangnam District, commented, "It is significant that these young people not only learned AI, but also produced tangible results that directly improved their work."

Gwanak-gu Youth Supporters. Provided by Gwanak-gu.

The education program in Gwanak District is also noteworthy. On September 3, Gwanak District launched the "Generative AI Master Class," which will run for a total of 12 sessions at venues including the Gwanak Youth Center, Sillim-dong SthreeRoom, and the Gwanak 50 Plus Center, until October 1. This is part of the "Gwanak-Style Youth Job & Startup Academy," which moved beyond last year’s pilot to full-scale implementation this year.

The course consists of separate tracks for job seekers and entrepreneurs, featuring special lectures delivered directly by industry experts currently working in the field, providing up-to-date industry insight. Each session recruits 30 participants, with priority given to young residents of Gwanak District.

Junhee Park, Mayor of Gwanak District, said, "We will lay the groundwork so young people can develop confidence and practical skills in AI, and grow into experts with a competitive edge to meet the demands of a changing industry."

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