Namwon Youth Explore VR and Metaverse at Saemangeum — Bringing the Future of Science to Life!

Young people from Namwon in North Jeolla Province got a hands-on look at the future of science and technology through metaverse and virtual reality (VR) experiences.

The North Jeolla Science Culture Hub Center announced Monday that it held a science exploration program Saturday at the Saemangeum Metaverse Experience Center, with 45 participants — including students and teachers from two children's community centers in Namwon.

The event was the second installment of the Starlight Science Exploration program. Building on an earlier session focused on basic aerospace and drone education and hands-on practice, this round expanded into the virtual world through metaverse and VR experiences.

Participants included elementary school students from the Solomon Community Children's Center in Unbong, Namwon, and middle and high school students from the Pureun Community Children's Center. The Korea Aerospace Youth Federation's North Jeolla branch oversaw participant coordination and program operations.

Students broadened their understanding of emerging technologies through a range of VR content. The event also brought together young people from two different centers, giving them a chance to interact, collaborate and engage in friendly competition. Many students left eager to return, with some saying, "I want to come back again."

Jung Hyun-suk, director of the Solomon Community Children's Center, said the program offered young people from a mountain village a rare glimpse into the future of aerospace. "I hope this experience becomes a stepping stone for the children to dream bigger and grow into the leaders of tomorrow," she said.

Lee Suk-hee, director of the Pureun Community Children's Center, called it meaningful that the two centers joined forces for a combined experience — the first of its kind for both groups. "In an era of nuclear families, it was wonderful to see children mingle, build solidarity and learn through friendly competition," she said, adding her thanks to the organizations that made the opportunity possible.

The Starlight Science Exploration program is part of the 2026 Private Science Culture Activity Support Project run by the North Jeolla Science Culture Hub Center. The Korea Aerospace Youth Federation's North Jeolla branch manages the program, which is backed by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Lottery Committee, the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, and North Jeolla Province.

The project is designed to give young people direct experience with cutting-edge technologies such as aerospace and drones. Its goal is to improve access to science culture for regional youth and to broaden their interest in future science and technology fields.