Korea opens a 'Quantum Magic School' to teach children quantum science

[Teal Shannon]

Here is a lovely quantum story with a difference. The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, known as KRISS, and the Busan National Science Museum have opened an interactive exhibition called Quantum Magic School. It runs from 1 October to 22 November 2026 at the museum in Gijang County, Busan. The idea is to teach quantum mechanics to children and teenagers through a story about a school of magic

Visitors go from enrolment to graduation, completing courses along the way. Quantum tunnelling is introduced by a cat that walks through walls, and there are lessons on entanglement, superposition and of course Schrodinger's cat. Even the dormitories are named after quantum pioneers. It sounds like a clever way to make strange ideas feel fun rather than intimidating

The highlight is a real 50 qubit superconducting quantum computer that KRISS is developing, shown alongside its quantum processing unit. That gives visitors a chance to see what one of these machines looks like and learn how they might be used in industry. There are also augmented reality features through phone QR codes, magic shows, science lectures and visits to KRISS facilities. Few exhibitions anywhere have shown a working machine like this

KRISS President Lee Ho-seong said he hopes it gives children and teenagers a chance to become comfortable with quantum science and technology. Getting young people interested early matters, given how many quantum jobs the industry expects to need. A magic school theme is a smart way to frame it, since quantum effects already sound a bit like magic

I would happily visit this as an adult. Do you think quantum physics can be taught to children in a meaningful way? And would an exhibition like this work in the UK or elsewhere?

From Walking Through Walls to a 50-Qubit Computer: 'Quantum Magic School' Opensen.sedaily.com