INTRODUCTION
The National Science Museum is a palace for the nation's Science and
Technology culture, and
was first established in Seoul in 1945. The purpose of the museum is to
promote public awareness
of science and develop an interest and creativity among the youth of the nation
in the field of
science and technology under the provisions of the National Science Museum Act.
By the 50's and 60's, the National Science Museum had successfully
implemented its role as a
guide to science and as a technological innovator.
Afterwards, influenced by the rapid economic growth in the 70's and 80's in Korea,
it became apparent
that the museum s facilities could not keep pace with the nation's expanding scientific
and technological
community. As a result. a developmental plan to enlarge the museum was undertaken in
1983.
The location of the new facilities, after giving due consideration to related
factor such as the
Population Decentralization Program, ease of visitor access, and site acquisition cost
and procedures.
was decided to be near the entrance to Taedock Science Town in Taejon which
is a concentration of
research institutes. Following five years of construction, the facilities
with
29,000m2 of floor space on a
165,300m2 site were completed. The present science museum finally opened on
October 9, 1990.
The major facilities of the museum are the Permanent Exhibition Hall, Space
Theater, Movie Theater,
Seminar Rooms, Laboratories, Open-Air Theater, and Collection Rooms. Collectively,
these enable the
museum to play an important role in promoting public understanding of the
scientific process and
strengthening extracurricular scientific activities. The museum also conducts
research to develop
exhibitions and programs to promote Korean science and technology and provide a glimpse
into the future.
The Permanent Exhibition Hali(8.570m2) houses about 6,000 exhibits
that reflect natural science.
modern science and technology, natural history, and the history of science and technology.
Through these exhibits. visitors are able to fathom the mysteries of nature and the
principles of science and
technology. In the process, they also gain a better understanding of the harmony of nature,
man, and science.
Additionally, the Space Theater(23m in diameter), the largest dome in Korea,
provides a realistic
panorama of the celestial bodies in the vast, mysterious universe and the figure of
man developing it.
Consequently, raising the educational awareness of astronomy and cosmology.
In the area of special activities, the museum holds a Nation-wide Science
Exhibition and a
Students' Inventions Contest to promote a widening base of desire for research and
development.
The museum opened and manages a Public Science Program for students, a
Computer Education Program,
and a Science Camp to expand student's experience with research which is often insufficient
in school.
Through these activities, the museum contributes to an atmosphere in
which science and
technology can be popularized.
We also plan to keep the '93 Exposition(7th Aug. ~ 7th Nov.) facilities as a
Science Park
after that event.
In general, it can be said that the role .of the museum is to join the public
in exploring the
progression from the past. through the present, and into the future. Looking to the
future, we will
continue to develop the facilities to provide a palace for science and technology and
demonstrate its
practical and modern applications. reflecting "the harmony of nature. man, and
science" for all to
see. understand, and appreciate.