□ National flagship science museums—essential cultural spaces in metropolitan economic and community zones

◯ Science museums are increasingly being recognized as essential cultural spaces that, along with libraries, gyms, and performance facilities, are integral to regional communities. 

◯ The number of visitors to national science museums has steadily increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the average number per museum being approximately 380,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, it is estimated that national flagship science museums attracted about one million visitors each in 2024, contributing to an increase in the resident population within their respective regions. 

□ Jeonbuk State—a cultural blind spot despite being characterized as a metropolitan economic and community zone known for regional science and technology

◯ Among the eight economic and community zones promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, six—Seoul Capital Area, Chungcheong, Gwangju/Jeonnam, Daegu/Gyeongnam, Bu-Ul-Gyeong, and Gangwon—house national flagship science museums that belong to the Ministry of Science and ICT. Unfortunately, neither Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing State nor Jeju boasts such flagship museums. 

◯ There are four metropolitan R&D special zones, and national flagship science museums were created near them within three years of zone designation. However, no national flagship science museum has been built in Jeonbuk even though it has been ten years since its designation. 

□ Jeonbuk-specific demand for science and culture

◯ According to the 2024 regional science and technology innovation capacity evaluation, Jeonbuk State ranked first among 17 cities and provinces in science and technology innovation capacity under the education and culture category.

◯ Jeonbuk can leverage its 11 national and public science museums dedicated to specific fields to foster collaboration and create synergies with a proposed national flagship science museum. 

□ Need for Jeonbuk to establish a national flagship science museum by utilizing its unique characteristics and science/technological resources 

◯ Jeonbuk should secure engaging content to distinguish its proposed museum from those in other regions and small science museums in the region. 

◯ The proposed national flagship science museum must build a Jeonbuk-specific science and cultural ecosystem through organic cooperation with existing small science museums. 

◯ Jeonbuk is advised to operate the prospective flagship museum in a flexible and visitor-friendly manner to encourage resident participation.

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