- Milestone reached 45 days earlier than last year

- Expansion of exhibitions, science education and participatory events drives growth

Staff and visitors pose to mark the 1 millionth visitor milestone at the National Science Museum in 2026. [National Science Museum]
Staff and visitors pose to mark the 1 millionth visitor milestone at the National Science Museum in 2026. [National Science Museum]

The National Science Museum, where visitors can explore everything from AI and dinosaurs to cutting-edge defense technology, drew more than 1 million visitors this year.

The museum announced Monday that its cumulative visitor count surpassed 1 million as of Friday. Last year the museum reached that milestone on Dec. 21, but this year it arrived more than a month earlier.

The achievement carries added significance given the challenges posed by a declining school-age population. The museum has grown into more than a place to view exhibits — it now serves as a multifaceted science and culture venue where children and adults alike can directly experience and enjoy science.

Behind the visitor surge is a lineup of hands-on exhibitions combining the latest science and technology with topics of broad public interest.

Earlier this year, the museum held a special exhibition titled "Forecasted Invaders: A Record for Coexistence," which used AI to examine the threat of pests driven by climate change. It also presented "AGAIN CES 2026," showcasing key technologies from CES 2026, the world's largest consumer electronics and IT trade show.

Other exhibitions included "Physics Lab," a hands-on exploration of the principles of physics; "Thinking," an inquiry into AI and human cognition; "Dinosaur Enthusiast Expo," highlighting domestic dinosaur research; and "2026 TechCon E," an interactive showcase of advanced defense science and technology.

Participatory science and culture events also proved popular. The museum ran programs designed to make science accessible through play and hands-on activities, including the spring event "Blooming Track," as well as "Science Day," "Biodiversity Marathon Dadadarun," "AI Civil Service Exam" and "2026 Maker PLAY."

Science education and public lectures were also expanded. The museum broadened access to science through programs such as "Star Science Lectures," which covers a wide range of science topics; age-tailored "Science Classrooms"; and "Science Camps" held during school breaks.

The museum also supported creative science inquiry among young people by hosting the National Science Exhibition and the National Student Science Invention Competition.

Going forward, the museum plans to strengthen its core functions of collecting, preserving and researching science and technology materials, while linking exhibitions, education and hands-on programs to develop the venue into a science and culture space that everyone can enjoy.

"Surpassing 1 million visitors more than a month ahead of last year is a meaningful achievement that shows the museum is growing into a cultural space where people can experience and enjoy science as part of their everyday lives," Director Lee Eun-young said. "We will continue to build a science and culture space that people want to visit often and linger in."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com