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2024.10.09
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Introduction to Regional National Science Museums in South Korea
Science museums are educational spaces that help promote public understanding of science and technology while enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills. They contribute to social development by engaging with local communities and play a crucial role in nurturing scientific and technological talent. These museums facilitate communication between scientists and the public and provide a platform for discussing the social responsibilities of science and technology. Through various exhibits and hands-on experiences, they foster scientific thinking and strengthen the scientific and technological capabilities of future generations. Science museums are vital social institutions that contribute to education, communication, and societal progress.
2018 PyeongChang Olympic Memorial Hall : A Must-Visit Destination for International Students The 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Memorial Hall was established to commemorate the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Korea. This museum offers a variety of exhibits and hands-on experiences that highlight the history of the Olympics, the success of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, and the Olympic spirit. It is an excellent destination for sports fans and tourists alike, providing international students with a unique opportunity to learn about Korea’s sports history and culture. 🎈Visitor Information Operating Hours : Summer (March–October) : 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:30 PM) Winter (November–February) : 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM) Closed : Every Monday, New Year's Day, and Korean national holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok Admission Fee : Free . ✔Key Exhibits 1. Winter Olympics History Hall : This exhibit showcases the major moments of past Winter Olympics, including medals, Olympic torches, and key highlights from the inception and development of the Winter Olympics . 2. PyeongChang Olympic Bid Process : Visitors can learn about the journey and effort behind winning the bid for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, with videos and photos documenting the hard work of the organizing committee and the people of Gangwon Province . 3. Peace Olympics and Paralympics Exhibition Hall : The hall captures the spirit of the "Passion. Connected." slogan, showing how the Olympics brought people together worldwide. It also features the achievements of Paralympic athletes and includes a Winter Sports VR experience where visitors can engage with winter sports virtually. 4. Winter in Gangwon : This exhibit symbolizes the peacefulness of Gangwon Province after the Olympics, featuring artwork from the closing ceremony, such as dandelion-shaped sculptures, which represent the end of the Olympic journey. This memorial hall is a perfect place to directly experience the legacy of the PyeongChang Olympics and gain a deeper understanding of the Olympic history and spirit.
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The Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum is a special place located in the pristine natural environment of Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, where visitors can deeply explore the universe and astronomy. Beyond simply observing celestial bodies, the museum’s various exhibits broaden the understanding of space and astronomy while vividly conveying the history of human space exploration. The museum particularly offers a visual experience of the origin of the universe and the development of astronomy through its exhibits. 1. Permanent Exhibits on the Birth and Evolution of the Universe The exhibition halls at the Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum are centered around the theme of the universe’s birth and evolution. From the Big Bang Theory to the formation of stars and planets, and the structure of our galaxy and the solar system, the museum provides in-depth explanations. Through visual aids and 3D models, visitors can experience the origins and evolution of the universe firsthand, feeling the vastness and mystery of space. The exhibition also covers various astronomical phenomena, with a particularly noteworthy exhibit explaining the life cycle of stars. This exhibit illustrates how stars are born, grow, and ultimately perish, highlighting the critical role stars play in the universe. 2. The History of Astronomy Another major exhibition theme at the Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum is the history of astronomy. It covers everything from early attempts by humans to observe the sky to the remarkable achievements of modern astronomy. The exhibition explains the progression of technological advancements, from ancient astronomical tools to medieval discoveries by astronomers and modern space telescopes. In particular, the exhibit walks visitors through Galileo Galilei’s historic use of the telescope to observe the heavens, right through to the present-day scientific discoveries. This journey allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of how astronomy has evolved and how science has contributed to humanity’s exploration of space. 3. Unlocking the Secrets of Our Solar System One of the central exhibits at the museum is the section dedicated to the solar system. The exhibit compares the characteristics of the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and other planets, displaying their orbits and sizes in near-realistic proportions to help visitors visualize the solar system. This exhibit provides fascinating insights into how the solar system’s planets were formed and the unique environments of each planet. Additionally, the museum offers exhibits on interactions between Earth and the Moon, as well as astronomical phenomena such as solar eclipses and lunar eclipses, deepening visitors' understanding of these everyday celestial events. 4. Exhibits on the Latest Achievements in Space Exploration The Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum also features exhibits on the latest accomplishments in space exploration. Visitors can learn how modern space probes and robots operate and how humans have carried out explorations of the Moon and Mars. There is also information about the role of satellites, life in space, and future space exploration plans, giving a sense of the rapid progress in space technology. The exhibit on recent Mars rover missions and lunar exploration projects serves as an important element, inspiring curiosity about the future of space exploration. 5. A Unique Experience in Nature What makes the Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum special is its location in nature, offering astronomy combined with a natural setting. Visitors can enjoy a clear, unpolluted view of the night sky away from city lights, allowing for a clearer and more beautiful stargazing experience. The pristine environment surrounding the museum offers ideal conditions for celestial observation, making for unforgettable memories of exploring the universe. 6. Family-Friendly Astronomy Camps The Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum regularly hosts astronomy camps that are perfect for families. During these camps, participants explore constellations and learn astronomical knowledge, while enjoying outdoor activities like campfires. Spending a night observing celestial bodies in nature provides a unique and memorable experience for all participants. The lunar rover displayed in the corridor connecting the exhibition halls caught my attention. There are three types of telescopes on display : the Galilean telescope , the Keplerian telescope , and the Newtonian telescope . Among these, the Galilean telescope, even when you try to look through it from various angles, doesn’t show things clearly. The reason isn’t that the telescope is broken. Rather, it’s because this telescope was made exactly in the same way the Italian astronomer Galileo constructed his telescope 411 years ago in 1609 for his astronomical observations. This type of telescope is called a Galilean telescope , and to overcome its inconvenient observation difficulty, Kepler designed the two Keplerian telescopes that are displayed in the center. The museum has installed both types of telescopes side by side, allowing visitors to compare the two and experience the differences in observation. Detailed descriptions of each telescope’s characteristics are displayed in front of the telescopes. Additionally, there is an exhibit on Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory’s main telescope , which is also featured on the 10,000-won banknote —a frequent subject in Korean astronomical observation displays. The 10,000-won bill, which we commonly use, features some of Korea’s proud astronomical observation devices. Among them are the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (a star chart including the Big Dipper ), the Armillary Sphere (Honcheonui) , and next to it, the Bohyunsan Observatory’s main telescope . A 1/6 scale model of the Bohyunsan main telescope is also displayed in front of the panel. This model represents the Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory’s main telescope , which is featured on the back of the 10,000-won bill. It is the largest telescope in Korea with a 1.8-meter aperture reflector , completed in 1996. It gathers tens of thousands of times more light than the naked eye can. Opposite the telescopes, there is a display panel featuring the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido , a star chart that offers a glimpse into the astronomical knowledge of our ancestors. (The original is housed at the National Palace Museum of Korea .) The cosmic distance comparison panel highlights the immense scale of the universe, comparing distances between celestial bodies. Alongside this, another exhibit focuses on the formation of Earth , detailing how our planet was born from cosmic dust and gases over billions of years, eventually becoming the life-sustaining planet we know today. Types of Electromagnetic Waves and Infrared Camera Experience Exhibit There are many different types of light, including gamma rays , X-rays , ultraviolet rays , visible light , infrared rays , microwaves , and radio waves —all of which are forms of electromagnetic waves. However, we can only see visible light . At this exhibit, you can use an infrared camera to capture infrared light, a type of light that our eyes cannot detect. Such displays are commonly found in science museums, but what made this one unique was not simply standing in front of the infrared camera to observe temperature differences based on body heat. What was particularly interesting here was the opportunity to use a cooling rod located to the left of the exhibit. After holding the cooling rod with one hand for 10 seconds, you raise both hands in front of the infrared camera to compare the temperature differences displayed on the screen, making the experience even more engaging! The panel that caught attention: "Star Lovers" . It features both domestic and international scientists, though most people are only familiar with the names of the foreign scientists. However, when you look closely, you'll realize that Korea’s astronomical knowledge, which began with ancient astronomy, is by no means inferior. (left) You can view real-time footage of Earth captured from the International Space Station (ISS) . There's also a display showing how the space shuttle is transported. (right) The shuttle is mounted on a modified aircraft and carried from Earth to its destination. 🙌 The Pocheon Astronomical Science Museum is a space where visitors can explore the mysteries of the universe and the development of astronomy through its exhibits. With diverse visual aids, models, and scientific explanations, the museum covers everything from the origins of the universe and celestial phenomena to the latest achievements in space exploration. This exhibition space is the perfect place to foster an interest in astronomy and answer questions about the vast universe. 😉Recommended for: Anyone interested in space and astronomy, especially families and students.
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The Yongin Korean Folk Village is a living museum that perfectly recreates the traditional life and culture of Korea. Established in 1974, this village brings the Joseon Dynasty to life, offering visitors an immersive experience of Korea’s past. With over 270 traditional houses and structures, various festivals, and hands-on programs, visitors can feel as though they’ve traveled back in time. In this blog, we’ll explore the charm of the Korean Folk Village and its unique cultural experiences, with a focus on the traditional heating system of agungi (fireplace) and ondol (underfloor heating), which left a deep impression during my visit. 1. Traditional Houses and Daily Life of the Joseon Dynasty One of the most striking features of the Korean Folk Village is the variety of traditional houses that have been faithfully restored. From the grand tile-roofed houses of the upper class to the simple thatched-roof houses of the commoners, these homes provide a glimpse into the diverse lifestyles and social structure of the Joseon era. The upper-class houses (hanok) are elaborate and spacious, featuring large courtyards and wooden structures that reflect the high status and wealth of the inhabitants. The layout of these homes, with multiple rooms and open corridors, offers a glimpse into the lives of the yangban (aristocracy), who adhered to strict social customs and lived in relative luxury. In contrast, the commoner’s houses (choga) are smaller and more practical, reflecting a humble and simple way of life. These homes reveal much about the agrarian society of the time, showcasing the tools and farming techniques that sustained the population. 📌 Recommended Exhibits and Experiences: ✔ Tour of Yangban Houses: Explore the grand hanok of the upper class and learn how their daily life was structured around rituals and etiquette. ✔ Commoner’s House Experience: Step inside the humble choga houses to experience the simple, hardworking lifestyle of the common people, complete with traditional farming tools and domestic spaces. 2. Agungi and Ondol: Ingenious Heating Systems of the Joseon Dynasty While touring the folk village, I was particularly struck by the agungi (fireplace) and ondol (underfloor heating) systems. These ingenious heating methods are a cornerstone of traditional Korean architecture, showcasing Korea’s unique approach to home heating. The agungi is an external furnace that heats the home by sending hot air and smoke through flues under the floor. This heat is then transferred to the ondol, the underfloor heating system, which keeps the entire house warm. Unlike the Western fireplace, which heats a room from a single source, the ondol system provides even warmth throughout the entire floor, making it a highly efficient heating solution during Korea’s cold winters. The ondol system is not only a testament to the ingenuity of traditional Korean architecture but also contributed to the health and well-being of the inhabitants. The warm floors were believed to improve blood circulation and overall health, making this heating system a vital part of Korean homes. Even today, ondol is widely used in modern Korean homes, showing the lasting influence of this traditional technology. 📌 Recommended Activities: ✔ Observe the Agungi Structure: Explore how the fireplace is connected to the ondol system and see firsthand how the traditional heating system works. ✔ Experience the Warmth of Ondol: Sit or lie down on an ondol-heated floor and feel the comfort of this innovative heating system that has been a part of Korean life for centuries. 3. Traditional Skills and Crafts: Learn the Wisdom of the Past In addition to its architectural wonders, the Korean Folk Village offers a variety of hands-on experiences where visitors can learn about traditional skills and scientific knowledge from the Joseon era. Here, artisans such as blacksmiths, potters, and carpenters demonstrate their crafts, allowing visitors to observe and even participate in these time-honored practices. The blacksmith experience is especially popular, where visitors can watch a blacksmith forge tools and weapons by hammering heated iron. Similarly, the pottery workshop invites visitors to learn the process of making traditional ceramics, offering the chance to create their own pieces using ancient techniques. These experiences provide valuable insights into the everyday skills and craftsmanship that sustained the people of the Joseon Dynasty. 📌 Recommended Activities: ✔ Blacksmith Workshop: Watch as skilled blacksmiths forge traditional tools and weapons, and try your hand at making a small iron object. ✔ Pottery Making: Learn the art of traditional pottery and create your own ceramic piece as a memorable souvenir. 4. The Beauty of Nature and Tradition in Harmony The Korean Folk Village is nestled in a picturesque natural setting, offering visitors stunning views throughout the year. In spring, the village comes alive with blooming flowers, while autumn brings vibrant fall colors that create a breathtaking backdrop for the traditional houses. Even in winter, the snow-covered hanok provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a quiet retreat. Each season offers a different experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing beauty of nature as they explore the village. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the gardens or taking photos with the traditional houses in the background, the Korean Folk Village is an ideal place to experience the harmony between Korean architecture and nature. The Yongin Korean Folk Village is not just a place to observe the past but a living space where you can experience Korea’s traditional ways of life firsthand. The agungi and ondol systems are perfect examples of how Korea’s ancient architectural and scientific knowledge was integrated into daily life. Along with various other hands-on experiences and beautiful natural scenery, the Korean Folk Village provides an in-depth understanding of Korea’s past, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in traditional culture and history. 📌 Tips for Visitors: ✔ Language Services: English and other language guides are available to help visitors understand the traditional architecture and way of life more easily. ✔ Traditional Experience Programs: Make sure to book traditional experience programs like agungi and ondol demonstrations, blacksmith workshops, or pottery classes to gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture. ✔ Seasonal Visits: Each season offers a different perspective of the village, so plan your visit according to your preference for spring blooms, autumn foliage, or winter serenity. Experience the beauty and wisdom of Korea’s traditional homes and way of life at the Yongin Korean Folk Village, where the past comes to life in a peaceful, natural setting😉.
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Suwon Hwaseong: A Masterpiece of Science and Art from the Joseon Dynasty Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is a landmark that epitomizes the scientific and artistic achievements of the Joseon Dynasty. Completed in 1796 by King Jeongjo to honor his father, Prince Sado, this fortress represents more than just a military structure—it is a testament to the advanced science and technology of its time. In this article, we explore the architectural beauty, scientific principles, and innovative technologies that were applied to the construction of Suwon Hwaseong. 1. Scientific Design of Hwaseong: The Balance Between Defense and Efficiency Suwon Hwaseong was designed using the most advanced scientific knowledge and technology available at the time. Jeong Yak-yong, a renowned scholar of the late Joseon period, played a crucial role in its construction by introducing various innovations that maximized building efficiency. One of his most notable inventions was the geojunggi, a crane-like device that made it easier to lift heavy construction materials, allowing the fortress to be completed in a relatively short period. The geojunggi employed the principles of pulleys and levers, enabling heavy stones to be lifted with minimal manpower. By distributing the load across multiple pulleys, the device reduced the amount of force needed, making construction faster and more efficient. (1) A pulley is a simple machine that uses wheels and ropes to lift objects. The more pulleys used, the less force is required to lift a heavy object. In the construction of Suwon Hwaseong, multiple pulleys were used simultaneously to hoist large stones and heavy materials efficiently. This allowed the workers to transport heavy stones with fewer people, making the process much more manageable. (2) A lever is a rigid bar used to move or lift objects by applying force at one end, with a fulcrum as the pivot point. The geojunggi used the lever principle, where the distance between the load and the fulcrum was optimized to allow heavy stones to be lifted with minimal effort. This innovation enabled materials to be raised to great heights quickly and efficiently, making it an essential tool in building the fortress walls. 2. Architectural Beauty of Hwaseong: The Harmony of Art and Function Beyond its scientific design, Suwon Hwaseong is also celebrated for its architectural beauty. The structure combines straight and curved lines that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Walking along the fortress walls, one can admire its grandeur and elegance. The Paldalmun and Janganmun gates, two iconic structures of the fortress, are not only functional military defenses but also examples of the artistic sophistication of the period. Inside the fortress, Hwaseong Haenggung, a temporary palace for the king, showcases the beauty and practicality of traditional palace architecture while incorporating innovative construction techniques. This balance of function and aesthetics makes Hwaseong Haenggung a prime example of the harmony between tradition and innovation in Joseon architecture. 3. Scientific Principles Applied in Suwon Hwaseong Scientific principles are evident throughout the design of Suwon Hwaseong. The fortress walls were constructed with geometric precision, maintaining a consistent angle while adapting to the terrain, ensuring their strength and resilience against attacks. This geometric approach was essential for maximizing the defensive capabilities of the fortress. Additionally, a sophisticated water management system was installed within the fortress, including reservoirs and waterways, to ensure a stable water supply during emergencies. This system exemplifies the application of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems in fortress construction. 4. Jeong Yak-yong and the Geojunggi: The Key to Innovative Construction The geojunggi, designed by Jeong Yak-yong, was a groundbreaking invention that played a crucial role in the construction of Suwon Hwaseong. Combining the principles of pulleys and levers, the geojunggi allowed heavy materials to be lifted with minimal effort. This innovation not only reduced the manpower required for construction but also sped up the entire building process, making it a vital tool in completing the fortress. 💖 The Fusion of Science and Art in Suwon Hwaseong Suwon Hwaseong is a masterpiece where science and art come together. Jeong Yak-yong’s geojunggi and the scientific design of the fortress represent the technological advancements of the Joseon Dynasty. Even today, Suwon Hwaseong is recognized for its historical significance, showcasing how scientific knowledge and architectural brilliance were combined to create a lasting legacy. 📌Visitor Tips ✔ Exhibitions on Jeong Yak-yong and the Geojunggi: Visit the Suwon Hwaseong Museum to learn about the role of Jeong Yak-yong and the geojunggi in the construction of the fortress. ✔ Experience the Construction Technology: Explore models of the geojunggi and experience firsthand the scientific principles behind its use in the fortress's construction. ✔ Fortress Trekking: Walk along the fortress walls to appreciate the scientific design and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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