This study is a educational interpretation on the learning passion in old age for the
purpose to establish the basis of the theoretical re-conceptualization of
‘Kyoyook-youl(education passion)’ in place of the Korean “Kyoyook-youl(education fever)”.
The learning passion in old age is a pedagogically remarkable object in that it has
characteristics contrasts with the Korean “Kyoyook-youl(education fever)”, but it is a social
phenomenon that can be interpreted variously according to the theoretical viewpoint by
itself. Therefore, this study selected the Endogenous Theory of Education as a theoretical
pre-understanding and conducted case studies on two elderly college students who showed
learning passion. Through interpretation of these cases, this study revealed the
characteristics of the Kyoyook-youl(education passion) which is distinguished from the
existing “Kyoyook-youl(education fever)”. The characteristics of Kyoyook-youl(education
passion) are categorized into four such as Interest free from social interests, Commitment
regardless of material, Pleasure to forget worries, Desire to continue until death. This study
provides a new understanding of Kyoyook-youl(education passion) and contributed to the
expansion of understanding of the elderly learning.