Come Experience Insects at the Former Air Force Headquarters Underground Bunker

Dongjak District to Operate “Insect Experience Zone”
at Daebang Youth Center

A program offering encounters with rare insects will be launched at the Daebang Youth Center, a facility remodeled from the former 'Daebang-dong Underground Bunker,' which was once used as a military installation.

Dongjak District in Seoul (District Mayor Park Ilha) announced that, in celebration of the summer vacation, it will operate an 'Insect Experience Zone' on the third floor of the Daebang Youth Center (51, Yeouidaebang-ro 36-gil) from July 29 to August 23.

The insect experience zone set up at the 'Dongjak Children's Grand Festival' last May. Provided by Dongjak District.

In a space totaling 28.7 square meters, the program will allow participants to see and touch a variety of insects, including Japanese rhinoceros beetle larvae and adults, stag beetles, super mealworms, white-spotted flower chafer larvae, and robber crabs. The program is designed as a hands-on experience.

Additionally, framed insect specimens and hanging scroll-type insect information boards will be on display, and the space will feature an area for screening ecological videos. Insect illustrations have also been attached to the stairs to create an immersive environment.

In particular, the district will enable children interested in raising insects to adopt Japanese rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles at a low cost. Group experiences are also strongly encouraged through collaboration with local children's centers. The Insect Experience Zone will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., during this period.

The Daebang-dong Underground Bunker was originally completed in 1956 as an underground military facility for the Air Force Headquarters and was used for about 30 years until the headquarters relocated to Gyeryongdae, South Chungcheong Province, in 1989. Afterward, the bunker was left unused, serving as a wine cellar and park materials storage, until it was transformed into a youth culture and healing space in 2021 through cooperation between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Dongjak District.

Park Ilha, Mayor of Dongjak District, said, "I hope children will have a lively and meaningful time during their vacation through the insect experience," adding, "We will continue to expand engaging programs tailored to children's interests."