GOYANG — Goyang, a city in Gyeonggi Province, is accelerating plans to turn Daehwa Library into a hub for training future talent, expanding its hands-on programs in artificial intelligence, robotics and other advanced technologies. Daehwa is the first library in the province specializing in future industries. The plan is to transform the library from a reading space into a creative workshop for local future industries and a complex edu-tech hub.
Daehwa Library will significantly expand equipment and programs across spaces for experiencing advanced technologies, including a shared workshop called Maker Space, a media production studio and a metaverse platform, the city said on the 19th.
The Maker Space on the first floor is a shared workroom equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters, where residents and creators turn ideas into prototypes. In 2024, it was selected by the National Library of Korea as a model case of maker space operation.
On the second floor, existing facilities have been reorganized into a Future Industry Creation Room and a media production studio for producing digital content, supporting creative activities from multiple angles.
Hands-on courses are also growing. The library runs monthly programs in 3D printing, drone flying, robot soccer, AI dubbing and coding, and added high-speed 3D printers and other new equipment this year. In November, it will roll out specialized programs including Santa hamster robot coding and building AI winter games.
Based on its renewed certification as a career-experience institution under the Education Ministry's Dreamgil career-experience program (Korea's career-exploration network for students), the city plans to expand career programs for elementary and middle school students, such as 3D printer operation training, in partnership with the city's lifelong education office, local universities including Korea Aerospace University and Joongbu University, and related organizations.
"A library is more than a place to read books. It is a cradle where people learn advanced technology and build their imagination," Goyang Mayor Min Kyung-sun said. "We will focus on strengthening the foundation for advanced-industry education to train the talent that will lead Goyang's future."