Daejeon City’s “Weekend Open House of Daedeok Innopolis Research Institutes” program, which has been promoting the dissemination of scientific culture and providing experiential opportunities for citizens, is entering its third year with a significant expansion.
The program, aimed at enhancing the brand value of Daejeon as the “Science Capital,” was first launched in 2023 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Daedeok Innopolis. It has been met with overwhelming public enthusiasm each year.
Starting this year, the number of participating institutions will increase to 11, allowing more citizens to experience science and technology firsthand and visit research sites directly. This expansion reflects the city’s commitment to strengthening its connection with the public.
Daejeon City signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 24th with 11 institutions, including the National Research Council of Science and Technology ▲Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (한국표준과학연구원) ▲Korea Aerospace Research Institute (한국항공우주연구원) ▲Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (한국과학기술정보연구원) ▲Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (한국원자력연구원) ▲Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (한국전자통신연구원) ▲Korea Institute of Energy Research (한국에너지기술연구원) ▲Korea Basic Science Institute (한국기초과학지원연구원) ▲Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (한국핵융합에너지연구원) ▲Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (한국조폐공사) ▲Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (Korea Techno Dome, 한국테크노돔), to officially launch the “Weekend Open House of Daedeok Innopolis Research Institutes” program.
This year’s program will begin in April with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, with other institutions taking turns to open their doors in a relay format. Citizens will have the opportunity to directly observe, listen to, and experience the major achievements and operations of these key national research institutes.
Notably, three institutions—Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (한국전자통신연구원), Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (한국핵융합에너지연구원), and Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (한국조폐공사)—will be participating for the first time this year, as they were previously restricted from public access due to security concerns. This has generated high anticipation.
Additionally, Hankook Tire & Technology’s “Korea Techno Dome,” which garnered attention last year for its outstanding architectural design and advanced technology, will once again welcome citizens this year.
The weekend program will feature a variety of content, including guided laboratory tours (Lab Tours) led by active researchers, scientific activities, and lectures. These offerings aim to make science more accessible and engaging for the public.
The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, the first institution to open this year, is a flagship research institute and the first government-funded institute in Daedeok Innopolis. It oversees national measurement standards and will showcase cutting-edge equipment and technologies, such as quantum computers. Visitors will also be treated to the institute’s beautiful natural surroundings, including Newton’s apple tree, a pond, and double cherry blossoms, promising a rich cultural and scientific experience.
The tour is operated on a pre-booking basis, and citizens who wish to participate can apply through the Daejeon Science Tour website (dst.daejeon.go.kr ).
Lee Jang-woo, Mayor of Daejeon, expressed his gratitude to the research institutes for actively engaging with citizens and said, “Daejeon City will continue to closely collaborate with research institutions to ensure Daedeok Innopolis becomes a world-renowned science cluster loved by the people.”
He added, “Understanding science is equivalent to preparing for the future. Through citizen-centered science policies, we will further solidify the status of Daejeon as the ‘Science Capital.’”
