'Find the secrets of a volcanic island': Earth science explorers descend on Ulleungdo

Volcanoes and rock formations that children once knew only from textbooks came to life as students touched and examined them firsthand, learning about Earth's history on the ground. Ulleungdo, an island born of volcanic activity, has transformed into a living science classroom for children.

The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) announced Thursday that it jointly held a hands-on science and culture program called "Ulleung Geo-Adventure" with the Gwangju National Science Museum on Monday and Tuesday on Ulleungdo.

The event was designed to provide field-based science education to children on Ulleungdo, where geographic isolation limits access to science and cultural programs. A total of 169 students from four elementary schools on the island took part in geological field surveys, special science lectures and a mobile science museum program.

Geoscientists accompanied the students to major geological sites across the island, explaining how the volcanic island was formed and describing its distinctive geological structures.

On the first day, a robot dance performance and volcanic island activities were held at Jeodong Elementary School. Students then toured the Haengnam Coastal Trail and the Samseongam area under the guidance of Kwon Chang-woo, a senior researcher at KIGAM, examining the characteristics of basalt and other rocks formed by volcanic activity.

On the second day, KIGAM President Kwon Yi-gyun delivered a special lecture on the theme "Protect the Earth." Students explored mushroom-shaped rocks known as tafoni, the Chusan Formation, Songgotbong peak and the Nari Caldera, learning about how Ulleungdo was formed and its geological significance.

The Gwangju National Science Museum ran programs for students at Ulleung Elementary School and Namyang Elementary School, including air rocket launches, solar observation and interactive science exhibits, giving children in this remote island community direct exposure to cutting-edge science and technology they would otherwise have difficulty accessing at a science museum.

"Ulleungdo is like a living earth science textbook, preserving a unique geological environment shaped by volcanic activity," Kwon said. "We will continue going directly to communities that need science, to narrow the gap in science and cultural opportunities between regions and fulfill our social mission as a public research institution."