Hyundai Motor Group to Launch Major Interactive Science Museum in Seoul by 2032 with San Francisco’s Exploratorium Partnership
Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to establish a pioneering interactive science museum in South Korea. Slated to open in 2032, this significant cultural institution will be developed in partnership with San Francisco’s renowned Exploratorium and will be a key feature of Hyundai’s Global Business Complex (GBC) in Seoul.
The ambitious project was officially unveiled during a signing ceremony held in San Francisco on Wednesday. Key attendees included Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, Vice Chair Chang Jae-hoon, alongside Exploratorium’s Chair of the Board of Trustees William F. Mellin and CEO Lindsay Bierman.
This initiative underscores the automotive giant’s strategic vision to cultivate future talent and drive innovation through fundamental science and advanced science education. Hyundai emphasized that the museum will lay crucial groundwork for emerging industries such as cutting-edge mobility, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Executive Chair Chung Euisun commented on the new venture, stating, “The interactive science center, developed in partnership with the Exploratorium, is expected to play a critical role in fostering curiosity and a spirit of inquiry while serving as a distinctive platform for science education aimed at building a better future.”
Beyond being an exhibition space, Hyundai envisions the Seoul museum evolving into a vibrant hub for the wider scientific community. It aims to unite scientists, educators, and artists for collaborative planning and groundbreaking research. The group also intends to implement extensive educational programs, engaging with schools and local communities to broaden public participation and foster a deeper connection with science.
The Exploratorium, founded in 1969 by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, is internationally acclaimed for its pioneering role in popularizing the hands-on, interactive museum experience. This iconic San Francisco institution attracts over 1 million visitors annually and boasts an impressive collection of more than 650 exhibits, encompassing science, art, and critical topics like climate change.
The integration of this new public science museum significantly enhances Hyundai’s Global Business Complex (GBC) development in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul. After more than a decade of delays, the long-anticipated GBC project received final approval earlier this year. This green light paves the way for a dynamic mixed-use complex that will feature Hyundai’s corporate offices alongside state-of-the-art cultural and public facilities.
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