Where can kids and parents have a great time together indoors while touring Korea?
Answer: GYERYEONGSAN NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Address: 511-1, Hakbongri, Banpomyeon, Gongju, Chungnam. Tel: (042) 820-7500.
http://www.krnamu.or.kr/
It seems fitting that this museum in Chungcheongnam-do which is dedicated to natural history should be situated on the foothills of Gyeryongsan, or Rooster-Dragon Mountain. The latter got that nickname as its ridge line looked like a dragon wearing the crown of a rooster.
When I joined the day tour from Gongju, I didn’t have high expectations for one of the stops on the itinerary. The fake dinosaurs, placed on the sides of the road leading up to the three-storeyed building, looked a little tacky although the kids on the tour were obviously thrilled. However, the Gyeryeongsan Natural History Museum proved to be more edutaining than I first thought.
Taken from the website of the GNHM
Its three floors are packed with fascinating exhibits arranged according to the following themes:
1. The World of Dinosaurs
2. Universe, Earth and Life ( which includes a pretty collection of minerals and gemstones)
3. Nature and Human Beings.
Those who don’t speak Korean may rent a device that looks like a Palm Pilot and gives a brief commentary in English when you key in the relevant display number.
Indeed, “Fun Comes First and Learn Comes Naturally”, the motto of the Gyeryeongsan Natural History Museum may be flawed grammatically but its heart is in the right place. The curators have taken great pains to present the exhibits in interesting ways and to incorporate as much interactivity as possible to make learning very entertaining.
Magnifying glasses are provided for those who want to scrutinize nature’s handiwork on the wings of moths and butterflies. An outline of a brontosaurus is filled with badges collected from different partner universities and institutions. MRI scans and X-rays allow fresh insights into the anatomy of two Korean mummies from the Joseon Dynasty.
We had less than two hours to spend in this museum but I would think half a day is needed to do justice to this place. It’s a great place for the whole family because there seems to be just about everything to fascinate each generation.
Frommer's review of the museum
sources:
http://krnamu.or.kr/eng/index.html
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Gyeryongsan
