The National Cheongju Marine Science Museum held its opening ceremony on Tuesday, September 29, and will begin official operations on the 30th.

Attending the opening ceremony were some 200 guests, including North Chungcheong Province Governor Shin Yong-han, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo, Cheongju Mayor Lee Jang-seop, National Assembly Member Song Jae-bong, Superintendent of Education Yoon Gun-young, provincial assembly members, and officials from related organizations, to celebrate the vigorous first step of the inland's first marine science museum and tour the exhibition facilities.

The newly opened National Cheongju Marine Science Museum is a representative long-cherished project promoted based on the earnest signature campaign and aspirations of 1.6 million provincial residents who argued that "equal opportunities to enjoy marine culture must be provided to inland residents and youth as well." It holds great significance as the fruition of continuous communication and cooperation between North Chungcheong Province and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries from the project's inception.

Built with a total project cost of 98.3 billion won in the area of Jujung-dong, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, the National Cheongju Marine Science Museum spans a site area of 15,406 square meters with a total floor area of 14,980 square meters (one basement level and three above-ground floors). Following its passage of the preliminary feasibility study in December 2019, the project commenced in 2020 and has officially opened after about six years of preparation.

Under the exhibition theme "Marine Viewed Through Science, Future Found in the Ocean," the museum features various marine science exhibition, education, and experience spaces, including the Future Marine Prospect Hall, Digital Aquarium, Children's Marine Experience Hall, and Marine Life Hall. It will provide opportunities to learn the value and importance of the ocean and directly experience marine science even in Chungbuk, which does not border the sea.

In his congratulatory speech, Governor Shin Yong-han stated, "Today, here in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, at the center of South Korea's inland, we are together at a meaningful turning point of advancing toward a bigger world from 'inland to ocean.' I thank the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and related organizations for their joint efforts until the opening of the National Cheongju Marine Science Museum."

He added, "Going forward, we will strengthen the cooperative system with related organizations so that the National Cheongju Marine Science Museum can establish itself as the center of marine science education and culture representing the inland region and as a new marine landmark of Chungbuk."

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]