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Busan Metropolitan City to Operate 12 “50+ Life Redesign Universities” to Support Second Careers for Middle-Aged Adults

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will operate the “Busan Metropolitan City 50+ Life Redesign University” in 2026 to enhance the capabilities and social participation of middle-aged adults preparing for a second stage of life.

The 50+ Life Redesign University consists of universities located in Busan that operate lifelong education centers, providing specialized education unique to each institution. Since starting with two universities (Pusan National University and Dong-eui University) in 2017, the program has expanded annually and now includes 12 universities this year.

The “Busan Metropolitan City 50+ Life Redesign University” is a project that offers university-specific life redesign education programs for middle-aged adults (ages 50–64) experiencing life transitions such as retirement.

In response to Busan’s entry into a super-aged society in 2021 and the growing middle-aged population (798,735 people as of January 2026, accounting for 24.7% of the city’s total population), the city is supporting the development of their careers and competencies. This includes assistance for reemployment, entrepreneurship, and social contribution activities, as well as linkage to job opportunities.

The curriculum covers a wide range of fields, including emerging industries such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and secondary batteries, as well as culture and arts, urban agriculture, fashion, and culinary arts. Programs will be offered at 12 universities across Busan.

In the emerging industries category, Dong-eui University operates the “Convergence ICT (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Comprehensive Drone Technology Specialist Training Program,” which includes drone manufacturing and piloting techniques, aerial photography, video editing, and field training. Busan Kyungsang College offers the “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Design Specialist Training Program,” covering AI-based photography and editing, Canva AI design, and horticultural design. In addition, Dongseo University, newly commissioned this year, operates the “Secondary Battery Industry-Based Customized Life Redesign Professional Training Program,” focusing on secondary battery materials, as well as cell and pack manufacturing practices.

In the culture and arts field, Pusan National University operates the “Culture-Oriented Lifestyle—Work, Learning, and Leisure Convergence Community Education Program,” which supports communities engaged in work, learning, and leisure activities using cultural infrastructure, differing from last year’s program.

Other programs include “Practical Urban Agriculture Education” at Silla University, “Wellness Care Specialist Training Program” at Catholic University of Pusan, “Customized Healthcare Workforce Training Program for Middle-Aged Adults” at Daedong College, “Preventive Exercise Specialist Training Program” at Busan University of Foreign Studies, “Wellbeing Brunch Specialist Training Program for Restart” at Kyungnam College of Information & Technology, “Senior Fashion Model Specialist Course” at Busan Institute of Science and Technology, “K-Food Healthy Cooking Specialist Course” at Busan Health University, and “Life-Cycle Care Specialist Training Program” at Kosin University.

The program runs for one year, with classes held twice a week on average. Participants are required to pay an annual fee starting from 100,000 KRW per person (varies by university).

Applications can be submitted through each university’s admissions office, and detailed information on programs and contact points for each university is available on the city website (https://www.busan.go.kr/depart/welgrand0507).

In principle, participants may enroll in only one university per year. Those who withdraw midway will be restricted from participating in the following year, so careful selection of a suitable program is advised.

The city plans to hold a “50+ Life Redesign University Performance Sharing Conference” in the second half of the year to share participants’ achievements with citizens and to continue developing policies that support contributions to the local community even after retirement.

Jeong Tae-gi, Director General of the Social Welfare Bureau, stated, “The ‘50+ Life Redesign University’ goes beyond simple education, serving as preventive welfare that helps middle-aged adults develop their capabilities and design a healthy and happy later life.” He added, “In particular, this year we have newly introduced programs aligned with emerging industries such as secondary batteries and AI digital design, enabling middle-aged adults to remain competitive in future industries.”