Seoul Science Center extends hours for interactive summer festival

Inside the sleek, concrete halls of the Seoul Science Center, visitors will soon be invited to shop for scientific principles like groceries at a market.

Instead of produce, the shelves will feature fingernail dye, pet rocks and live tornado demonstrations.

Beginning July 29, the museum in northeastern Seoul’s Nowon District will host its annual Midsummer Science Museum festival, transforming the facility into an interactive, night-friendly retreat designed to provide families with activities away from the sweltering heat.

The five-day event, running through Aug.

2, centers on an unconventional “science mart” concept that reinterprets everyday items through geology, chemistry and ecology.

“We designed this year’s festival so that parents and children can discover science in their daily lives together,” museum director Yoo Man-sun said.

“Through play and performances, we want visitors to naturally cultivate an interest in how the world works.” The festival’s playful menu blends nostalgia with hands-on learning.

In one flagship activity, participants will dye their finger ...