Shedding the Image of "No-Fun City," Daejeon is Reborn as a Cradle of Science
Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity Introduces Key Programs for "April, the Month of Science"
"There is such a variety of content prepared that it cannot all be seen in just one day."
This was the opening remark by Jung Woosung, Chairman of the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, regarding the '2025 Korea Science Festival (29th edition)' prepared by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity in celebration of April as the Month of Science.
Jung Woo-sung, Chairman of the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, is explaining the 'April Science Month' program. Photo by the Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity
The science festival, to be held from the 16th to the 20th of next month across downtown Daejeon including Daejeon Expo Citizen’s Plaza, Expo Science Park, and the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC) Exhibition Halls 1 and 2, is the largest domestic science festival that integrates the former 'Korea Science and Technology Exhibition' and 'Daejeon Science Festival,' facilitating communication between scientists and the public.
At a press conference held on the 20th at the Jeongdong 1928 Art Center in Seoul, Chairman Jung stated, "We have prepared many contents not limited to children and adolescents but also enjoyable for adults," adding, "Visitors can also explore nearby Hanbat Arboretum, Daejeon Arts Center, and Daejeon Museum of Art, making it a science festival that offers a broad cultural experience."
Last year’s '2024 Korea Science Festival' held in Daejeon attracted 490,000 visitors, proving the high public interest in science content. In response, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Foundation have united small-scale science content events scattered across local governments nationwide and expanded the content to prepare for the 'largest science festival in Korea' aligned with 'Science Day' on the 21st of next month.
This year’s science festival, under the theme "The Engine of Science, Awakening Curiosity," will feature exhibitions of 12 national strategic technologies and research and development (R&D) achievements, science culture experience programs involving government-funded research institutes, science institutes, science museums, and companies, science culture performances such as science lectures and science magic shows, as well as diverse content including drone and hot air balloon experiences.
2025 Korea Science Festival Information Poster. Provided by Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity
Hong Soonjung, Director of the Future Talent Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "There was a request from Daejeon, a city of science, to join because the existing science festival content was insufficient, and together with the Foundation, we have prepared many enjoyable activities," introducing, "This year’s event will be the largest and most diverse."
In addition to the science festival, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Foundation introduced programs across the country where people can experience and enjoy science in celebration of the 'Month of Science' in April.
Starting from the 1st of next month, various contents will be available through the online science culture portal 'ScienceAll.' These include 'MZ Laboratory, Enjoying Science,' a science culture content that resonates with the MZ generation, various contents offering a glimpse into the daily lives of scientists, and information on 'National Science Culture Programs' held nationwide throughout April.
From April 11th to 13th, a 'Month of Science April Promotion Popup' event will be held for three days at Nova Portal in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Targeting adults in their 20s and 30s and families, this is the first science culture popup held in Seongsu-dong, known as the hotspot for popups, designed to allow visitors to experience unique science.
Chairman Jung said, "In celebration of the Month of Science in April, we have prepared diverse programs so that all citizens can easily and enjoyably experience science in their daily lives," adding, "I hope this Month of Science will be an opportunity to newly discover the value and charm of science and technology and serve as a chance for more people to develop interest and enthusiasm for science."
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