The 'Searching for the Sun' exhibit at the Gwacheon National Science Museum in Seoul shows the path of the sun and the eight planets in our solar system. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
The 'Searching for the Sun' exhibit at the Gwacheon National Science Museum in Seoul shows the path of the sun and the eight planets in our solar system. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
Diego Jimenez, 3, pushes a button on an interactive display that demonstrates wireless power transmission at the Gwacheon National Science Museum in Seoul, South Korea. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
Visitors play with robotic animals during a visit to the Advanced Science & Technology Hall at the Gwacheon National Science Museum. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
Visitors use a remote control to test a robot's movements at the Advanced Science & Technology Hall at the Gwacheon National Science Museum in Seoul, South Korea. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
The Dinosaur Park is one of 48 themed exhibits outside the Gwacheon National Science Museum. Other exhibits include History Square, the Geological Park and Aerospace. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
The Space Launch Vehicle is found outside the Gwacheon National Science Museum. The vehicle simulates a launch sequence and allows visitors to touch the massive rocket. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
At the Permanent Exhibition Hall, Diego Jimenez, 3, touches the past, present and future of science and technology during a visit to the Gwacheon National Science Museum. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
The Gwacheon National Science Museum offers 237 themed exhibits involving Aerospace mechanics and materials. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
Children are encouraged to interact with robots exhibited in the Advanced Science & Technology Hall at the Gwacheon National Science Museum. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
Natalya and Diego Jimenez learn about water waves during a visit to the Gwacheon National Science Museum. (Alfredo Jimenez/Stars and Stripes)
The Gwacheon National Science Museum in Seoul makes for a nice one-stop shop for all things science for anyone in an exploratory mood.
The massive building is filled with energy and environmental exhibits, as well as some advanced technological displays. Some of the more interactive displays involving wireless communication and energy generation piqued my son's and daughter's interest.
On the first floor alone, there were 500 exhibits, with topics ranging from energy and mathematics to physics and research advancement.
The second floor gave us some insight into aerospace, with exhibits focused on astronauts and some of the more practical elements of space living, such as eating, sleeping and showering.
My daughter Natalya was excited that she was able to try on an astronaut helmet and feel a real space suit.
Other exhibits could be found in the Natural History Hall, where we learned about evolution, fossils and the ecosystem of the Korean peninsula.
There's also a planetarium located outside, but unfortunately it was closed during our visit. We were, however, able to see the life-sized space shuttle, a radio telescope and geological park on the grounds.
But nothing made my kids happier than visiting the Insectarium, which housed land and aquatic insects, butterflies, spiders and a larva breeding lab.
I highly recommend the Gwacheon National Science Museum for anyone looking to get their science kicks or maybe just those wanting to spend some interesting quality time with the family.
KNOW & GOHours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Mondays, the day after a national holiday, Jan. 1, lunar New Year's holidays, Chusok holidays and temporary holidays.
Admission: 4,000 won for adults; 2,000 won for children. Planetarium is 2,000 won for adults and 1,000 won for children. Astronomical observatory, 10,000 won ages 7 and older.
Directions: By subway, exit no. 5 of Seoul Grand Park Station, line 4, blue line; by car, Suwon direction from the Sadang Station Crossroad, parking fee is 3,000 won for the day.
