Exploring the Gyeonggi Children's Museum: A Journey of Learning and Growth
[Reporter: Ahn Sun-young]
The Gyeonggi Children's Museum, built as the first dedicated children's experiential museum in South Korea, opened its doors in September 2011.
It has established itself as a hands-on museum where children can interact directly with exhibits and learn independently.
True to its name, the 'Children's Museum' is always filled with the laughter and footsteps of children.
Located in Yongin and operated by the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, it is easily accessible not only for families in Gyeonggi Province but also for those visiting from Seoul.
This place is particularly special for our family. We first visited when my child was two years old, and we have returned every year since, now that they are in the sixth grade.
Our recent visit, just before graduation, felt like a compressed timeline of my child's journey from early childhood to upper elementary school.
The museum offers a variety of experiences for children from toddlers to elementary school students. The admission fee is 4,000 won, with a 50% discount for residents of Gyeonggi Province.
Thanks to four free admission days each month, visiting the museum is an easy and affordable option.
As my child has grown, the frequency of our visits has decreased, but there are still exhibitions and experiences suitable for older children.
The museum is not a one-time visit; it encourages multiple returns, allowing parents to see the museum through their child's growing perspective.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a comprehensive guide map and pamphlets, which help navigate the museum's layout.
The building has three floors. The first floor is designed for younger children with a sturdy playground and a natural play area, while the second and third floors feature exhibitions that cater to elementary school students.
Although the guide suggests starting from the third floor for elementary students and moving down, our experience shows that allowing children to choose where to explore naturally enhances their engagement.
Instead of trying to see everything at once, it’s better to let them linger in places that catch their attention.
Over the past ten years, my child has particularly enjoyed certain exhibitions, and I will highlight some of these experiences at the Gyeonggi Children's Museum.
✔️ Recommendation 1: Experiential Exhibition 'Two DMZ Worlds'
The first space I want to introduce is 'Two DMZ Worlds' located in the first-floor exhibition hall.
This exhibition operates on a reservation basis, allowing only five teams per time slot, so online booking is necessary.
From the moment you board the bright yellow DMZ adventure bus, the exhibition begins.
As the guide announces, “We are heading to the DMZ!” children enthusiastically respond, increasing their immersion in the experience.
Through screens and audio guides, the exhibition explains what the DMZ is, why it was formed, and the significance of the Korean War and the armistice agreement.
It also discusses the concept of the DMZ as a zone created to stop war, along with examples of other neutral zones, providing a modern history lesson suitable for children.
✔️ Recommendation 2: 'Challenge! Young Architects'
Located on the second floor, 'Challenge! Young Architects' is a space my child has enjoyed for many years.
This permanent exhibition, developed in collaboration with local VR/AR content companies, upgrades the previous 'Architecture Workshop'.
In this exhibition, children use tablets to design their own houses, choosing walls, floors, roofs, windows, and gardens.
The highlight is the large screen in the center of the exhibition hall, where the houses designed by children come together to form a village.
✔️ Recommendation 3: New Exhibition 'We Are Earth Friends'
The third floor features the newly launched 'We Are Earth Friends' exhibition, which focuses on the theme of coexistence within the Earth's ecosystem.
This exhibition showcases various corners, including interactive play areas and media spaces addressing climate crises and environmental protection.
One of the highlights for my child was meeting the robot dog 'Leo', prompting discussions about future environmental and technological changes.
Another unique aspect of the museum is the 'Art Museum within the Museum', where visitors can discover various artworks throughout the museum.
These experiences have documented our family's journey, marking significant moments of growth.
The Gyeonggi Children's Museum is a hands-on museum that caters to a wide age range from infants to elementary school students.
With various attractions across all three floors, it offers an abundance of experiences, making it difficult to explore everything in one day.
As we approach the end of my child's elementary school years, the museum remains a cherished space filled with memories.
✔️ Address: 6 Sanggal-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province
✔️ Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
✔️ Admission: 2,000 won for children / Free for infants under 12 months
✔️ Free Admission Days: 4 times a month
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