Center for Science and Culture in Incheon, in Collaboration with Gyeyang District Library, Expands Local Science Engagement through ‘Our Neighborhood Science Festival’

The Center for Science and Culture in Incheon, in partnership with the Gyeyang District Library, successfully co-hosted the Our Neighborhood Science Festival on May 6 in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon. Designed to bring science closer to everyday life, the event was a community-based initiative integrated into a local festival, promoting grassroots science engagement.

Running from May to December, Our Neighborhood Science Festival brings science to life through hands-on experience booths at local festivals, allowing citizens to enjoy the wonders of science in an accessible and interactive environment. The May event in Gyeyang, organized under the theme of “Books and Science,” served as a cultural hub where multiple generations came together. Fourteen organizations, including the Gyeyang District Library and the Center for Science and Culture in Incheon, participated to host a variety of engaging activities.

Approximately 10,000 citizens, ranging from young children to adults, attended the festival. Participants enjoyed a wide array of activities such as making bookmarks, playing drone soccer, and storytelling sessions—experiencing both the joy of science and the pleasure of reading.

Following its 2024 collaboration, the Center continues to work closely with the Gyeyang District Library under an official partnership to co-develop and operate science engagement programs, further embedding scientific culture into the local community.

Director Han Ki-soon of the Center for Science and Culture in Incheon stated, “This initiative was designed to overcome infrastructure limitations in areas with low access to science culture, providing citizens with natural opportunities to engage with science in their daily lives. We are delighted to offer a space where community members can enjoy both science and reading. We will continue to collaborate with local communities to broaden the reach of science culture.”

Since 2021, the Center for Science and Culture in Incheon has been operated by the Institute for Gifted Science Education at Incheon National University. Supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, the center strives to enhance public engagement with science in Incheon through diverse programs.

This program is funded by the Science and Technology Promotion Fund and Lottery Fund and is part of a national initiative supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity. It also contributes to the development of science and technology in Korea and supports the welfare of underprivileged communities.