Seoul Children’s Museum
The Seoul Children’s Museum is a vibrant and colourful museum, designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity, introducing children to new concepts around science, art, and culture.
The museum operates as a private institution under an agreement between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Museum Management Research Unit. It receives budgetary support aimed at promoting public welfare activities and collaborates through mutual consultations to establish a partnership based on trust.
The museum space is vibrant and colourful, with each section carefully designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity. The design incorporates playful elements, including hands-on installations and immersive environments, which make learning a fun and dynamic experience. Children are introduced to new concepts centred around science, art and culture. By blending traditional educational approaches with modern technology, the museum provides a platform for creative thinking and problem solving, inspiring children to think differently and imagine new possibilities.
The Light Room was designed and developed based on the aim of avoiding exhibits or programmes relying heavily on state-of-the-art technology and symbolises the museum’s determination to revitalise museum education in a forward-thinking manner. Children are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery, sensory perception, and the expression of emotions through aesthetic experiences. This results in programmes that allow full immersion in light and sound and experience of unique sensory stimuli to enhance cognitive flexibility.
The museum’s educational programmes have been designed to make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable. Play Box is a series of at-home educational packages with activity kits and a link to video tutorials relating to the museum exhibits.
The judges’ comment
Challenges in Korean society are addressed, including the low child happiness index, declining birth rate, excessive media exposure and educational disparity. Through exhibitions and educational initiatives, it provides an inclusive, welcoming environment. The museum’s proactive community engagement, collaboration with local organisations and outreach programmes for underserved groups demonstrate its social impact and dedication to cultural awareness.