[Interview] Yuseonghun, Geumcheon-gu Mayor: "Geumcheon Science Cube Opening as a Milestone for Developing into a Prestigious City of Future Education"

Geumcheon Science Cube has established spaces including a mixed reality immersive media education room (Smart Space), 3D education room, laser cutting room, mini studio, and media lab, collaborating with four institutions?Seoul National University of Education, Seoul National University Lifelong Education Institute, Dongyang Mirae University, and Luxrobo?to diversify science education channels in preparation for the 4th Industrial Revolution and operate programs such as science lectures, performances, exhibitions, and experiences for all ages.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “In an era where we must adapt to change and lead it, I am confident that Geumcheon will become the central city for future education.”

Yoo Seong-hoon, Mayor of Geumcheon District, stated in an interview with this publication, “With the opening of Geumcheon Science Cube, which can utilize the specialized infrastructure of G-Valley, we are designating this year as the inaugural year of Geumcheon’s future education. We will do our best to develop Geumcheon into a prestigious city for future education.”

Along with COVID-19, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation are expected to bring significant changes to the industrial landscape and jobs, while raising concerns about various social issues caused by information gaps. It is a crucial time for local governments to devise diverse policies and projects to promote regional development and help residents adapt well to these changes.

In response, Geumcheon District is creating a path for ‘Geumcheon-style future education’ that fosters creative learning abilities beyond simple learning and realizes education where learning and life coincide, in step with the rapid flow of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and changes in the administrative environment to welcome a new world.

Geumcheon hosts G-Valley, where companies possessing core future science and technology are concentrated, and has secured various educational infrastructures such as Geumcheon Youth Startup Hub, Geumcheon Orang, Cheongchun Building, Doksan Youth Culture House, and Geumcheon Career and Academic Support Center.

Leveraging these advantages, Geumcheon Science Cube is being established as the spatial center of Geumcheon’s future education and a key player in science and culture projects, scheduled to open in November.

Geumcheon Science Cube will build spaces including an immersive media education room (Smart Space) implementing mixed reality, a 3D education room, laser cutting room, mini studio, and media lab. It will diversify science education channels in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution by collaborating with four institutions: Seoul National University of Education, Seoul National University Lifelong Education Institute, Dongyang Mirae University, and Luxrobo. Programs such as science lectures, performances, exhibitions, and experiences will be operated for all age groups.

Furthermore, to create an environment where all Geumcheon residents can encounter and enjoy science and technology in daily life and to raise awareness and expand the base of science importance, the third Geumcheon Science Festival will be held this November following the first science festival during the 7th local government term.

The event, opening on November 1 at 4 p.m. with a spectacular robot performance, will run until November 6. To enhance accessibility for residents, it will be held at various locations including Geumcheon District Office, Geumcheon Science Cube, Geumcheon Career and Academic Support Center, Geumcheon Orang, and Doksan Youth Culture House.

It is composed of interesting and diverse science experience programs enjoyable for all age groups. In addition to the opening celebration science magic show, there will be various experience programs such as VR experiences, 3D printer experiences, Smart Space content experiences, as well as educational programs to support youth career and academic paths like coding drone classes and Science Jobs.

The Geumcheon Science Festival is expected to become a distinctive science and culture festival unique to our district, not only linked with excellent educational infrastructure but also involving local schools, science clubs, and numerous companies in G-Valley possessing core future science technologies.

Additionally, the district plans to build the Geumcheon Lifelong Learning Center, which can encompass all age groups from children to adults, and the Geumcheon-style Career and Academic Support Center focused on systematic public education-centered career and academic support in 2023.

Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon said, “The Geumcheon Science Cube, Lifelong Learning Center, and Career and Academic Support Center promoted during the 7th local government term are stepping stones for children’s academic advancement and career paths, as well as the first step toward a better society. In this era of rapid change driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, they will be the foundation of Geumcheon-style future education.”