Exploring the New Public Play Model: 'Do-it-Yourself A+ Playground'
[By Choi Jun-hyuk]
In Gyeonggi Province, a new public play model is emerging,
the 'Do-it-Yourself A+ Playground'.
In the future our children will live in,
the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
cannot be overstated.
Recently, I visited a free experience space in Hwaseong City
where children can learn AI technology through fun play,
not rigid study.
Let me tell you more about the exciting activities available here.
The Do-it-Yourself A+(AI Play) Playground
The AI Playground in Hwaseong City
was established through the Gyeonggi Province's 'Do-it-Yourself A+ Playground'
policy initiative.
This playground combines
digital technologies like AI, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR)
with physical activities and role-playing,
creating a digital convergence play space.
This initiative reflects the characteristics of the Alpha generation,
who are accustomed to digital environments, allowing them to
naturally engage with future technologies through play,
enhancing their creativity and interaction skills.
Usage Guidelines
The Hwaseong AI Playground operates for free, but
prior reservations are required for a pleasant and safe experience.
Reservations can be made through the Hwaseong Integrated Reservation System.
During the weekdays, the playground operates in three sessions:
The first session is for organizations only,
while individuals can book the second and third sessions.
Upon arrival, visitors will confirm their names,
fill out a guardian consent form, and then enjoy the playground.
All food and beverages, except water, are prohibited inside the playground.
Engaging Digital Play
Children experiencing motion shooting
One of the advantages here is that children can physically explore
digital content through interactive activities.
The first stop for many children was the motion shooting corner,
an active game where they throw balls at targets on a screen.
Before visiting, I thought the AI playground would focus on static activities,
but I was pleasantly surprised by the many opportunities for energetic play.
Next, the motion climbing area featured interactive videos projected on the wall,
allowing children to climb while completing missions.
This blend of physical play and digital technology
enhances children's engagement and helps develop their spatial awareness and motor skills.
At the AI Playground, children can also engage in creative activities.
Scanning their colored drawings brings them to life on screen,
combining coloring with digital technology to boost concentration.
The playground's themes change every one to two months,
offering new experiences each time.
During my visit, the theme was 'Imaginative Architecture',
where children learned basic architectural principles while creating their own homes.
Here, children can learn coding in a fun and easy way,
developing logical thinking skills with simple coding blocks.
Play facilitators are available to assist children,
making it easy for beginners to enjoy coding.
As of December 2025, 41 locations across 21 cities in Gyeonggi Province have been selected for the Do-it-Yourself A+ Playground,
with 38 currently operating and three set to open soon.
Gyeonggi Province plans to establish a central Do-it-Yourself A+ Playground
in the Gyeonggi Convergence Town pedestrian mall in the second half of 2026.
Experience the Do-it-Yourself A+ Playground,
where technology meets play,
and help nurture your child's imagination and creativity.
Location:
76 Dongtan Sinri Cheon-ro 9-gil, Dongtan 9-dong Administrative Welfare Center, 2nd Floor, Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province
Target Audience:
Children aged 5 to 10 (born between 2017 and 2022)
Operating Hours:
Session 1: 09:40~11:20 (Organizations) / Session 2: 13:20~15:00 (Individuals/Organizations) / Session 3: 15:30~17:10 (Individuals)
Closed:
Every weekend and public holidays
Admission Fee:
Free
Reservations:
Advance reservation is required through the Hwaseong Integrated Reservation System.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224227189792
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