The Gyeonggi Children's Museum, operated by the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, announced a Lunar New Year special program titled Welcome, Year of the Blue Snake. The program will run from January 25 to 30, offering a variety of interactive and cultural activities for children and families to enjoy.

Designed to celebrate the Lunar New Year in a fun and educational way, the program includes activities such as "Learning the Proper Way to Bow and Making New Year’s Envelopes," "Making an Obangsaek Origami Pencil Holder," and "Creating a Traditional Shaking Drum."

The "Learning the Proper Way to Bow and Making New Year’s Envelopes" activity allows children to learn traditional Korean New Year customs, such as the proper way to perform a respectful bow. Participants will also create unique New Year’s envelopes inspired by the Year of the Blue Snake, adding a personal and festive touch to the tradition.

The "Making an Obangsaek Origami Pencil Holder" activity is a self-guided craft open to all visitors. Participants can use Korea’s traditional five cardinal colors—blue, red, yellow, white, and black—to fold and assemble their pencil holders. This activity not only introduces the cultural significance of obangsaek but also encourages creativity and hands-on learning.

On the museum’s third floor, the Eco Atelier will host the "Creating a Traditional Shaking Drum" program. Children will color and decorate traditional Korean handae buk (shaking drums) featuring intricate patterns. Once complete, participants can play the drum while making New Year’s wishes, blending cultural appreciation with artistic expression.

The special program offers an engaging way for families to connect with traditional Korean customs and arts, fostering a sense of cultural pride and understanding among young participants. Each activity is carefully curated to ensure an immersive and memorable experience.

As part of its broader mission, the Gyeonggi Children's Museum continues to provide enriching programs that celebrate Korea’s heritage while encouraging creativity and learning among children. The museum anticipates strong participation from local families eager to celebrate the Lunar New Year in a meaningful and festive manner.

The Welcome, Year of the Blue Snake program is free with museum admission, making it an accessible and enjoyable option for families during the holiday period.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com