Science ministry announces National Science Museum reptile event

The science ministry said the National Science Museum is holding its 2026 Korea World League Reptiles event through Aug. 9 to introduce reptile ecology and encourage responsible reptile ownership.

The program includes competitions, a special exhibition, hands-on activities, special lectures and a fair. At the Children's Science Museum's traveling exhibition hall, visitors can observe live lizards, snakes and land turtles, including reptiles familiar as pets and species that are not commonly seen. Sessions will let visitors safely observe and interact with land turtles and make blocks and badges.

On Aug. 8, entrants will bring reptiles they have raised to Science Hall to compete in the Visual, Titan and Speed World Leagues. The Visual World League will select a winner from entries judged on health, body form, color, patterns and morphs; the winner will receive the Deputy Prime Minister and science minister's award and a prize. Titan World League will assess crested geckos, leopard geckos and bearded dragons by weight and size, and its winner will receive the museum director's award and a prize. A Speed World League will determine its winner by the fastest finish on a designated track.

Rapper Outsider and YouTuber TV Saengmul Dogam will give special talks during the event about pet reptiles, biodiversity and human coexistence. The talks will give children and teenagers who like reptiles an opportunity to interact directly with the speakers. Visitors can also bring pet reptiles to the reptile-basking event for a sunbathing experience.