Drew 90,000 Visitors... '2026 Gwangju Mathematics and Science Festival' Ends on a High Note

Families Flock to More Than 160 Hands-On Booths
Superintendent Kim Daejung: "We Will Actively Support Future Creative, Interdisciplinary Talent"

The 2026 Gwangju Mathematics and Science Festival, hosted by the Jeonnam-Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education and organized by the Gwangju Institute for Creative Convergence Education, drew approximately 90,000 visitors and ended on a high note.

The Gwangju Institute for Creative Convergence Education announced on October 19 that the festival was successfully held on October 17 and 18, with students, teachers, parents, and residents taking part.

Held under the theme "Log In to the Future of Mathematics and Science," the event featured more than 160 diverse programs, including 130 booths in the Mathematics and Science Experience Zone. Participants discovered the fun and principles of mathematics and science in everyday life through experiments, hands-on activities, and problem-solving challenges.

The 2026 Gwangju Math and Science Festival drew around 90,000 visitors and concluded on a high note. Photo courtesy of the Gwangju Institute for Creative Convergence Education.

Superintendent Kim Dae-jung said, "This is a meaningful educational festival designed to make mathematics and science, which can feel difficult in the classroom, easy to experience through a variety of hands-on activities and games." He added, "We will continue providing active, ongoing support so that this kind of learning opportunity can serve as a springboard for creative, interdisciplinary talent who will lead the future."

The "Science Exploration Together Zone," where families and friends could participate together, featured six programs, including a rolling-ball contraption, punching robots, foam-board airplanes, and egg-protection structure building. The activities fostered teamwork and a spirit of inquiry among participants.

Preschoolers and elementary school students enjoyed sports science and cutting-edge science through play at the "Science Play Zone." At the "Mathematics Mission Zone," teams of two tackled code-breaking challenges and showed off their logical thinking skills. The "Mathematics Software and Exhibition Zone," which combined digital tools with three-dimensional structures, was also well received.

A host of supplementary events added to the festival's excitement. A variety of performances, including instrumental music, magic, balloon art, and dance, were held. The organizers also operated a general information center, medical services, and a lost-child center to help ensure visitors' safety and convenience. Following a career talk on mathematics by YouTuber Lee Sangyeop, KAIST Professor Jung Jaeseung will give a special lecture on October 28, continuing to support students as they explore career paths.

Director Jin Young said, "I hope students will hold on to the excitement and joy they felt at this festival, ask questions freely, and confidently log in to a bigger world." Jin added, "We will continue to promote the spread of mathematics and science culture by offering diverse hands-on opportunities that connect schools with local communities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.