Busan Science Museum Opens Quantum Education Exhibition with KRISS

Introduction

The National Science Museum in Busan has opened a new public‑education initiative in partnership with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS). Titled Quantum Magic School, the exhibition runs through November 22 and combines hands‑on displays, augmented‑reality experiences, a magic‑themed narrative, and a rare look at a 50‑qubit superconducting quantum computer. The program is designed to demystify quantum mechanics for visitors of all ages while showcasing the technology that underpins future high‑tech industries.

A Wizard‑Inspired Journey Through Quantum Concepts

The exhibition space is styled like the entrance to a medieval castle, echoing the iconic platform‑9¾ scene from the Harry Potter series. Guests are enrolled as new students of the Quantum Magic School and guided by a friendly cat mascot. A “quantum tunneling” doorway invites visitors to step through, symbolising the ability of particles to pass through energy barriers—one of the core phenomena explored later in the exhibit.

Once inside, an augmented‑reality photo zone lets participants capture themselves amid swirling quantum fields before they enter a mock dormitory. The dormitory houses a series of interactive stations that break down the three pillars of quantum mechanics:

• Superposition – A plasma ball demonstrates how a quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously.
• Entanglement – Paired displays show how changes to one particle instantly affect its partner, regardless of distance.
• Uncertainty – A digital simulation lets visitors experiment with measurement limits, illustrating Heisenberg’s principle.

These stations also feature classic thought experiments such as Schrödinger’s cat, allowing visitors to visualize abstract ideas in a concrete, playful format.

Real‑World Quantum Hardware on Display

A highlight of the exhibit is KRISS’s showcase of a model of a 50‑qubit superconducting quantum computer alongside an actual quantum processing unit (QPU). While the model explains the architecture—cryogenic cooling, microwave control lines, and error‑correction layers—the real QPU offers a tangible glimpse of the hardware that powers emerging quantum applications in cryptography, materials science, and optimization.

KRISS staff are on hand to answer questions about how the device is fabricated, calibrated, and measured, providing a rare opportunity for the public to engage directly with cutting‑edge research equipment that is typically confined to specialized labs.

Extending the Experience: Field Trip and Lecture Concert

The museum’s program extends beyond the exhibition hall. On November 14, a “Science Field Trip” will transport up to 35 elementary‑school‑aged participants from Busan to KRISS’s research campus in Daejeon. The day‑long itinerary includes:

1. A lecture on standards and measurement.
2. A guided tour of a working quantum‑computing laboratory.
3. A live demonstration of a superconductor experiment.
4. A visit to the institute’s “Newton’s apple tree,” a symbolic reminder of the continuum from classical to quantum physics.

The field trip aims to provide students with a first‑hand view of a national research institute—an experience that is otherwise difficult to obtain outside the capital region.

On November 21, the museum will host a Quantum Magic × Talk Concert in its main conference room. Magician Lee Jun‑hyung will perform tricks that illustrate quantum phenomena, while Choi Jae‑hyuk, head of KRISS’s Quantum Technology Institute, will unpack the underlying science for a mixed audience of children and adults. The concert blends entertainment with education, reinforcing the exhibition’s core message that quantum concepts can be both understandable and awe‑inspiring.

Looking Ahead

Kwon Soo‑jin, head of the museum’s science‑culture division, emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to bring advanced science to the public in an approachable format. By partnering with KRISS and leveraging storytelling, interactive technology, and live performances, the museum hopes to spark lasting curiosity about quantum technology and its societal impact.

The Quantum Magic School exhibition demonstrates how museums can serve as bridges between complex research and everyday understanding. As quantum computing moves from laboratory prototypes toward commercial deployment, public awareness and enthusiasm will be crucial for cultivating a skilled workforce and informed citizenry. Visitors to Busan’s National Science Museum now have a unique chance to step inside that future—one magical, quantum‑filled step at a time.

--- For the latest updates on exhibition hours, ticketing, and upcoming events, please check the National Science Museum’s official website.