Gwacheon National Science Museum

This post is about our trip to the

Gwacheon National Science Museum

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My son is used to visiting museums. That’s why when his dad was on a business trip on April 5th and I asked him where he’d like to go, he responded “박물관” automatically. The “Gwacheon National Science Museum” or “Scientorium” is located at the huge Seoul Grand Park complex. It’s one of the places we’ve been going to again and again, but that last trip was the first time we went there by subway. We got off at Seoul Grand Park station on line 4.

I paid 4,000 won for my ticket and 2,000 won for my son. The entrance to the planetarium is not included and it’s 2,000 won for adults and 1,000 won for students.
The main building has two floors. On the first floor are the Basic Science Hall, Science for Kids and the Advanced Technology Hall. On the second floor are the Advanced Technology Hall, Oriental Science and Natural History. The planetarium is located outside.
The exhibits at the museum are mostly interactive. There are some exhibits or activities that require reservation, like the Earthquake Experience, Typhoon Experience and more. To get free tickets, just look for the kiosks on the first floor beside the rear doors. The machines have English instructions.

That day, we went to three: Earthquake, Typhoon and Human Body. The latter is for kids only.

Here are some things your child can do at the Science for Kids Hall:

Another of my son’s favorite exhibit is the Basic Science Hall. My son enjoyed not only the Earthquake and Typhoon experiences, but he also liked learning about the earth’s plates, pregnancy and the human body.

One of our favorites is the mechanical clock. It’s easier for kids to understand the concept of time with this:

At the other wing of the building of the first floor is the Advanced Technology Hall.

On the second floor of the building, we were only able to visit the Advanced Technology Hall as we didn’t have enough time to look at the Natural History and Traditional Science.

Too bad, my son isn’t tall enough yet to try the space simulations:

At the Natural Science Hall, there are fish, insects and dinosaur bones!

I couldn’t find photos I took of the Traditional Science Hall, but one would find exhibits related to the sciences throughout Korean history, including medicine, astronomical inventions, and more.
At the back of the main building is the Planetarium. I love this facility. The seats are comfy and the show is really interesting. However, the lecture is only in Korean.

There are more things to see outside…

It is best to visit the Scientorium on a weekday. Better be there in the morning to experience everything. There is a coffee shop on the first floor and a cafeteria on the second floor. There are also two convenience stores outside. There are lockers, cellphone chargers and of course, clean restrooms!
I never get tired of coming here. It’s an inexpensive, entertaining and not to forget – educational – place for the little ones!
Gwacheon National Science Museum
By subway: Seoul Grand Park station, line 4, exit 6
Opens: Daily except Mondays
Time: 9:30 – 5:30