Article 1 (Purpose) The purpose of this Ordinance is to prescribe the matters necessary for supporting adult literacy education in Seoul Metropolitan City, thereby strengthening the literacy and basic life skills of illiterate Seoul citizens and enabling them to avoid inconveniences in daily life.

Article 2 (Definition) The definitions of the terms used in this Ordinance shall be as follows: <Amended on May 22, 2023>
1. "Illiterate adult" refers to a person aged 18 years or older who does not have the literacy skills, etc., necessary for daily life.
2. "Literacy skill education" (hereinafter referred to as “literacy education”) refers to an organized education program that imparts socially and culturally required basic life skills, etc., including literacy skills necessary in everyday life.
3. "Literacy education institution" refers to a lifelong learning facility that provides literacy education on a continuous basis, or an equivalent institution or non-profit organization.

Article 3 (Beneficiaries) The beneficiaries of literacy education shall be illiterate adults who are registered as residents and actually reside in Seoul Metropolitan City, including foreigners who reside in Seoul Metropolitan City for such reasons as marriage or migration.

Article 4 (Basic Principles of Literacy Education) (1) Literacy education shall contribute to nurturing the literacy skills necessary to enhance the quality of life of illiterate adults residing in Seoul.
(2) The opportunity to receive literacy education shall be equally guaranteed, regardless of the beneficiary’s age, gender, occupation, etc.
(3) Literacy education shall be based on the beneficiary’s free participation and voluntary learning.

Article 5 (Responsibilities of the Mayor) (1) The Seoul Metropolitan City Mayor (hereinafter referred to as the “Mayor”) shall formulate and implement policies to provide sufficient opportunities for literacy education to illiterate people.
(2) The Mayor may provide the financial support necessary to fulfill the obligations provided under the foregoing paragraph (1).

Article 6 (The Formulation and Implementation of a Comprehensive Plan) (1) Every five years, the Mayor shall formulate and implement a Comprehensive Literacy Education Plan (hereinafter referred to as the “Comprehensive Plan”) designed to stimulate and support literacy education.
(2) The following matters shall be included in the Comprehensive Plan under paragraph (1):
1. Matters pertaining to the mid- to long-term goals of literacy education and directions for their implementation;
2. Matters pertaining to plans for literacy education support programs and directions for their implementation;
3. Matters pertaining to the development, distribution, and support of literacy education programs;
4. Matters pertaining to surveys on the current status of literacy education institutions, programs, etc.;
5. Matters pertaining to the establishment and organization of cooperation and support systems for the support of literacy education;
6. Matters pertaining to the necessary funds and the procurement of funds for the support of literacy education programs;
7. Other matters deemed necessary to stimulate and support literacy education.

Article 7 (Seoul Metropolitan City Literacy Education Centers) (1) The Mayor may designate and operate Seoul Metropolitan City literacy education centers (hereinafter referred to as the “centers”) for the organized and effective promotion of literacy education.
(2) The Mayor shall consult with the Seoul Metropolitan City Superintendent of Education in designating a center under paragraph (1).
(3) A center designated under paragraph (1) shall be staffed by the center’s head and dedicated personnel necessary for the performance of the center’s duties.
(4) Matters necessary for the organization, facilities, designation, etc. of the centers, other than those prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (3), shall be separately determined by the Mayor.
(5) The centers shall perform the following duties:
1. Identify beneficiaries and provide counselling suport.
2. Develop, distribute, and support literacy education programs.
3. Foster, train, and build the competencies of literacy educators.
4. Conduct investigation, research and development duties for the promotion of literacy education;
5. Conduct and support projects and campaigns aimed at raising awareness of literacy education.
6. Other matters deemed necessary by the Mayor for the promotion of literacy education.
(6) The Mayor may subsidize expenses necessary for the centers’ programming within the available budget.

Article 8 (Exchange, Cooperation, Etc.) The Mayor shall engage in close exchange and cooperation with the Office of Education, the autonomous Gu, private organizations, etc. in order to stimulate literacy education.

Article 9 (Support for Literacy Education Institutions, Etc.) (1) The Mayor may support the operation of programs designed to stimulate literacy education by autonomous Gu and literacy education institutions.
(2) The Mayor may subsidize the expenses provided under the foregoing paragraph (1) within the available budget; and the payment of subsidies, etc. shall comply with the Seoul Metropolitan Government Local Subsidy Management Ordinance.

ADDENDUM (Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance Uniformly Amending Ordinances for International Ages) <No. 8709, May 22, 2023>
This Ordinance shall enter into force on Jun. 28, 2023.