As summer vacation begins amid alternating heat waves and monsoon rains, parents may be wondering, "Where should we go today?" Considering a 'cultural indoor retreat' could be a great option.
The National Museum of Korea will extend its hours from July 27 to August 17, opening 30 minutes earlier at 9 a.m. and closing 30 minutes later at 6 p.m. This change comes as visitor numbers have increased by about 40% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, and with summer vacation coinciding with the holiday season, the museum expects even more visitors. The extended hours aim to alleviate the pressure on parents during peak visiting times.
The museum will also offer programs where children can participate directly. In conjunction with the special exhibition 'Our Dining Table,' the museum has created a children's educational program titled 'Kids, Let's Eat!' and a special lecture called 'Words of Our Food.' Children will learn that the dining table they encounter daily is a product of the wisdom and history accumulated over time in our society.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) has prepared special summer programs linked to the exhibition 'Still Trying Days.' These include a lecture by artist Kim So-young titled 'The World of Children Encountered in the Museum' and a performance by the 'Heart Piano Trio,' composed of performers with developmental disabilities. There will also be a keyring-making experience.
The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will present performances and exhibitions for children and families at the Dream Forest Art Center in northern Seoul. Highlights include an interactive play 'Pinocchio Trial,' which addresses questions of the AI era from a child's perspective, and 'Treasure Box of Ballet' with commentary by artistic director Cho Tae-ji. The center will also feature a children's experiential exhibition titled 'Finding Pasi,' providing opportunities for children to watch performances, think critically, and engage in the arts.
In 'Treasure Box of Ballet,' children will not only enjoy classic ballets like 'Swan Lake' but also learn basic movements themselves. In the interactive play 'Pinocchio Trial,' children will serve as jurors, helping to shape the direction of the performance.
From July 23 to August 2, Assitej Korea will host an International Summer Festival in the Daehakro area, showcasing ten domestic and international works suitable for children from infants to teenagers.
For infants aged 12 to 48 months, recommended performances include Italy's 'Tana: Little Cave' and Poland's 'Mr. Satie: A World Made of Paper.' For children over 36 months, Austria's 'Flap Flap' and Ireland-UK's 'A Perfect Day,' as well as the Czech Republic's 'I Don't Want to Sleep!' are suggested.
For preschoolers aged 5 to 7 and elementary school students, recommended works include 'Little One, Little One,' 'Gulliver's Travels,' 'Blink, Jumping Under the Moonlight!' 'Lang Lang Star Twinkle,' and 'My Friend Calf.' All performance venues will feature an art playground in the lobby where children can freely engage in artistic experiences and participate in performance-related programs.
Major musicals such as the Broadway hit 'Hell's Kitchen,' the domestic premiere of 'Dear Evan Hansen,' and Disney's 'Frozen' will also open, welcoming audiences during the summer vacation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.