'AI Experience Zone' Debuts in Suncheon Bay... Jeonnam Science Festival Kicks Off on the 9th

Over 100 Experience Booths and Mobile Science Vehicles on Site

"Transcending Time and Space" Metaverse Convergence Experience

Cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality will come to life in Suncheon Bay, a treasure trove of pristine ecology. The "2026 Glocal Jeonnam Science Festival," where visitors can directly interact with and experience future science and technology amid Jeonnam's unspoiled nature, will kick off with great fanfare for two days starting from May 9 at the Jeonnam Office of Education Suncheon Bay Ecological Culture Education Center area.

The official opening ceremony, marking the start of the festival, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on May 9. The festivities will begin with a pre-ceremony performance by the "Dream Green Orchestra," followed by a spectacular opening performance, launching the two-day journey.

The "2026 Glocal Jeonnam Science Festival" will be held for two days starting from the 9th at the Jeonnam Office of Education Suncheon Bay Ecological and Cultural Education Center area. Provided by Jeonnam Office of Education

Jointly hosted by the Jeonnam Office of Education and Jeonnam Provincial Government, this year's festival is themed "The Moment When Nature and Science Become One!" Reflecting the current trend of coexistence between AI and nature, the event aims to lead the popularization of science among local residents and students.

During the event, more than 100 "Glocal Creative Convergence Science Experience" booths will be set up throughout the festival site to stimulate the five senses of visitors. Notably, the National Gwangju Science Museum and the Jeonnam Office of Education Creative Convergence Education Institute will provide mobile science vehicles and a 4D experience truck, greatly enhancing the sense of immersion and fully satisfying students' scientific curiosity.

Above all, this year’s festival has significantly strengthened immersive programs that allow participants to directly experience future technology. In the "Ecological Culture Future Education AI Experience Zone," visitors can enjoy interactive content using augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) devices, offering an engaging introduction to advanced software (SW).

In addition, a separate "Glocal Metaverse Convergence Experience" space has been created, allowing anyone around the world to enjoy the festival together via live broadcasts and V-LOG videos, free from the constraints of time and space.

There will also be a wealth of competitions where students can showcase the research skills they have developed. Science creativity competitions, science creative contests, and creative convergence science report writing contests, all held both online and offline, are expected to serve as a solid foundation for local youth to grow into future science talents.

Kim Younggil, Director of Glocal Future Education, stated, "This festival embodies the values of symbiotic glocal Jeonnam education, providing a space where children can freely imagine and explore," adding, "I hope many residents will enjoy the wonders of science and future technologies amid the beautiful nature of Suncheon."

Expectations are high that, by going beyond simple exhibitions and enabling direct hands-on experiences with ecology and AI, this experiential festival will serve as a catalyst for fostering 'glocal science talents' who will break beyond regional boundaries and step onto the global stage.

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