Siheung Children's Science Museum opens in Baegot-dong
Designed to let children explore science in an easy, engaging way
Siheung city opened the Siheung Children's Science Museum in Baegot-dong on Saturday, establishing what officials hope will become a hub for nurturing future talent in biotech and science.
About 750 people visited on opening day, reflecting strong public interest. The opening is expected to further strengthen the science and culture foundation of Siheung, a city designated as a UNICEF Child-Friendly City.
The opening ceremony featured a formal declaration, a progress report, commemorative remarks and congratulatory speeches, followed by a performance involving a humanoid robot. Attendees then toured the exhibition halls with professional science guides and took part in a range of hands-on exhibits.
The museum spans a total floor area of 2,873 square meters across two above-ground floors and a rooftop. It houses a science play area for infants and toddlers, a special exhibition room, a dedicated science gallery and classrooms — all designed to make science accessible and enjoyable for children.
The museum centers on biotech, Siheung's key growth industry, and offers hands-on exhibits alongside biotech and life science content, integrated exhibitions and educational programs. It also plans to partner with local universities to provide high-quality science education through biotech and life science workshops and mentoring programs on an ongoing basis.
A range of events for children accompanied the opening. Two sessions of hands-on science education programs tailored to young audiences were held, and an energetic hopscotch competition — part of the November pop-up playground series — took place in the outdoor courtyard, giving children a lively and memorable experience.
A special opening exhibition playfully exploring children's curiosity about the human body and life sciences, along with three performances of an original puppet show, added to the festivities. A special session in which children tasted eco-friendly snacks cooked entirely using solar energy gave them a sensory introduction to everyday energy and scientific principles.
Siheung Mayor Lim Byeong-taek said the museum represents "a meaningful first step in nurturing future talent as Siheung leaps forward to become South Korea's leading biotech hub." He added that the city would continue to expand top-tier education and cultural infrastructure "so that children in child-friendly Siheung can learn cutting-edge science like joyful play in their daily lives, develop boundless imagination, and grow into outstanding scientists."
The museum is open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily except Mondays. Science education programs can be registered through Siheung Education Campus SSOC, and inquiries can be directed to the museum by phone.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
