Science ministry opens applications for National Science Museum maker festival booths

The Ministry of Science and ICT said it will accept applications from July 27 to Aug. 9 for 45 exhibition booths at the 2026 Maker PLAY festival hosted by the National Central Science Museum.

Selected middle and high school makers, as well as individual and club groups, will receive 350,000 won per booth to cover operating and material costs. Outstanding participants will be honored with awards from the museum director and a popular maker prize during the festival.

Organizers will evaluate entries based on interaction and communication skills, which account for 30 points each, while sharing potential and completeness will each contribute 20 points to the final score.

Successful applicants will receive an operation confirmation certificate, and the event will include a contest to select popular makers based on participant votes.

The festival is scheduled to take place on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. across the grounds of the National Central Science Museum, combining themed exhibitions, hands-on experience zones, expert lectures and outdoor activities.