Educational aspirations and care workforce challenges in Korea: A conceptual framework for AI-integrated gerontological education

Abstract

This study combines a descriptive analysis of educational aspirations in Korea with a conceptual framework for AI-integrated gerontological education. Using data from the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) on students’ and parents’ educational expectations, it describes the educational levels that students and parents expected and the reasons they reported. The ‘University (4 years or more)’ category was the most frequently reported expected level, and ‘To get a good job’ was the most frequently reported reason (57.3%–61.9% of students and 49.0%–53.7% of parents across subgroups, among those expecting at least college-level education). These data do not measure attitudes toward care work, willingness to enter care occupations, expected wages, or exposure to or acceptance of AI, and no causal inference is made. Drawing on relevant literature, the study then outlines competencies and practice preparation for the framework, together with institutional and employment conditions that lie beyond the curriculum and would need to be examined. The cited literature informs the framework but does not establish its effectiveness. Whether the proposed framework changes occupational preferences or workforce outcomes remains an empirical question; testable implications for future evaluation are presented. The framework has not been implemented or evaluated.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Educational Gerontology, 2026 · DOI ↗