MECHANISMS OF SPIRITUAL WORLDVIEW DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING PRACTICES IN EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES: COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES FROM JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA

Abstract

This article investigates the mechanisms through which spiritual worldviews are cultivated within the framework of lifelong learning in East Asian contexts, with a particular focus on Japan and South Korea. It explores the philosophical, cultural, and institutional foundations that underpin the integration of moral and spiritual education into formal and informal learning systems. By examining educational policies, curricula, and pedagogical practices, the study aims to elucidate how continuous education contributes to the development of ethical reasoning, social responsibility, and individual purpose. Furthermore, the research highlights comparative dimensions, demonstrating how historical influences, such as Confucianism, Buddhism, Shintoism, and Christianity, shape the educational approaches in these countries. Ultimately, the article provides insights into the interplay between lifelong learning and spiritual cultivation, offering policy and pedagogical recommendations for enhancing holistic human development.