International Space Festival in Daejeon

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From 9th of this month until the 16th, there is a huge gathering going on here in Daejeon, South Korea, related to Space. The international organization of space is now gathering in the Silicon Valley of Korea, to meet in International Astronautical Congress 2009. This big event is hosted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology joined with the Daejeon Metropolitan City.

Under the theme : “Space for Sustainable Peace and Progress” Daejeon wants to strengthen the role of Korea in the world of the “space technology. After having its first astronaut, So Youn Lee, went to the space with 2 Russian Astronauts, Republic of Korea wants to have more role in the world of space.

Daejeon Expo Community Center

Korea’s Pride and Focus of Space Technology: 10.000 Won Currency

Not only holding one of the biggest event in the field of Space Community, Korea has been showing its concern in space since long time ago. One real fact is how they put a lot of space and astronomical symbol in their currency, in the 10,000 won money.

Astronomy of 10.000 Won

As far as I concern, there are 3 objects inscribed inside the print of the green-colored 10.000 won. The first is the ancient Sejong’s space observation instrument, named Honcheoneui, printed out on the left part of the money, symbolizing that Korea has concerned about space since its historical period. Honcheoneui is the ancient clock used in Sejong’s period.

Then on the right hand side, we’ll see the picture of modern optical telescope in the observatory on Bohyeonsan Mountain in Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province) which is the biggest telescope in Korea. Its diameter is up to to 1.8 meters. The telescope allows one to investigate distant galaxies and differentiate between the dynamics and chemical characteristics of different stars, star clusters and galaxies.

On the back ground we’ll see the ancient astrological chart, Chunsang-yulcha-bunya-jido (1395), which is the second oldest astrology chart in the world next after that of Chine which is dated 1247. This chart was developed during the royal family of Joseon. It was inscribed in the stone during that day since other writing material was not common.

Bringing Aerospace Technology Close to Common Public

During the festival, visitors can enjoy the astronomical objects or training for astronauts. Moreover, Korea puts more attention on kids or elementary school students so that they can understand and experience astronautical life since their young age. There are many shows for them.

Korean Proud Astronaut, So Youn Lee

They inspire the kids by showing off the Korean first astronaut. And she is a lady! in the nearby the entry to the exhibition house. Many of her pictures are there. Every kids will envy on her, and want to be astronauts as well.

Then there are also simulations for space training life. One of them is the rotating seats where the kids sit on the rotating seats and they’ll be turned around and around, just like what the real astronauts did during their training. They also have the jumping training where a kid will be belted in his/her wrist and then being jumped up to the ‘sky’.

Space Food

Quite fun!! Korea is really trying to bring more innovation to the space technology!!

best regards
~nasikun