Science ministry launches Chuseok festival at Gwacheon museum

The science ministry said the National Gwacheon Science Museum will hold a special Chuseok festival from Sept. 24, combining traditional holiday customs with scientific experiences for families.

Director Lee Chung-won said the event was prepared to let families enjoy unique holiday traditions and play culture by integrating them with science.

Visitors can participate in the Scientific K-Game Challenge, which adds scientific rule variations to traditional games like jegichagi, yutnori, tuho and gonggi. Teams completing the missions will receive commemorative gifts, while children can engage in craft activities such as making spinning tops and four-directional paper darts. A highlight is the daily Happy Chuseok Pungmul performance at 2 p.m. alongside mascot-themed photo zones.

The museum will also operate Changshin-dong at Chuseok Science Museum, a pop-up event recreating the famous toy district with exhibits on toy science and a market for soft tactile toys known as mallangi. Additional programs include a mission to find hidden cats in the quantum hide-and-seek exhibit and a special cinema screening of stars for those who complete event certifications.

Permanent exhibition halls will be open free of charge during the period, excluding the regular closing day. Parking fees and some programs remain paid, with detailed schedules available on the museum's website.