Seoul Metropolitan Archives Children's Record Experience Lab <Twisty Record Exploration>

Seoul Eunpyeong-gu's hidden gem, the exhibition "Twisty Record Expedition" held at Seoul Girokwon is a special exhibition where children can experience the concept of records as play. Seoul Girokwon is a Seoul public archive that opened in 2019 and collects and preserves the city's history and citizens' memories. Located between Bulgwang Station and Nokbeon Station, this place lets children experience the abstract concept of records in concrete ways suitable for their level. The exhibition runs from January 2025 through December 2025 and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (11:30 AM–1:30 PM break). Free admission is the biggest advantage, allowing visitors to learn Seoul's history and participate in creative activities without additional cost.

The exhibition is divided into three parts. Part 1 "From Memory to Records" teaches the history of records starting from oral transmission, animal bones and hides, traces left on stone and wood, up to paper, photographs, and computers. Children naturally understand record tools and types by touching, writing, and experiencing them directly. Part 2 "Record Exploration" lets children build Seoul landmarks (Gwanghwamun, Namsan Seoul Tower, the National Assembly Building, Geongbokgung Geunjeongjeon, etc.) through interactive foot-press games, and match changes in Seoul's administrative districts using magnets. It looks at records of citizens' daily lives such as population changes from past to present, the history of taxis and buses, and old diaries. Part 3 "People Who Make Records" introduces what record researchers and conservation scientists do and teaches the importance of preserving records. Completing the entrance mission grants a coin to get a keyring from a capsule machine; visitors can write their name to make name card stickers, color a bus model, and finish by stamping their footprints. The full experience takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the children's playroom portion alone lasts 20–30 minutes, so timing is flexible.

Strengths for foreign tourists include the ability to understand Seoul's culture and history at a glance. Although the children's experience is central, accompanying guardians also learn about Seoul's past and present. Especially, the permanent exhibitions "Hangang, Seoul_Memories Flow" and "Strolling with Records_Seoul's Parks Exhibition" let visitors view important moments in Seoul—such as the history of Hangang bridges, the changes during the Hangang development era of the 1960s–70s, and scenes like the demolition of foreigner apartments—alongside records, and these are also free to visit. Access by public transport is excellent: it is a 5–9 minute walk from Bulgwang Station (Subway Line 3 and Line 6) Exit 2, and various buses operate including circular buses 7720, 7734, and 8701. There is both indoor and outdoor parking in the building for convenient car use, with parking fees around 2,000 won. On the 2nd floor there is an Archive Cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee after viewing the exhibition. The staff at Seoul Girokwon are very friendly, and the intuitive hands-on format means foreigners with limited Korean can easily participate. The mascot Logi (logo character) is available for photos, and a wealth of visual materials and videos related to records minimizes language barriers.

There are a few points foreign visitors should note. First, reservation is required. Reservations can only be made in advance at Seoul Special City Public Service Reservation (yeyak.seoul.go.kr); on-site registration is not possible. Only one team (2–5 people) can apply per session, so plan ahead. The session times are 10:30 AM–11:30 AM, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM, and 3:30 PM–4:30 PM. The recommended age for the experience is 7 to 10 years old (lower elementary), but blogger reviews say 5-year-old children can also enjoy it. Some activities may be restricted for very young children, so please note that. Avoid visiting during the break (11:30 AM–1:30 PM); the facility is closed on Mondays and during Lunar New Year and Chuseok. There is a water fountain, but disposable cups are not provided, so bring a personal water bottle or cup. The exhibition rooms are small and the interactive nature of the activities can cause congestion if many people come at once, so the first morning session is recommended over afternoon times. English guide materials may be limited, so it helps to review the basic exhibition layout before visiting or contact Seoul Girokwon staff in advance at 02-350-5618 or 02-350-5625.

Overall Review: "Twisty Record Expedition" is a special time for families to experience Seoul's history and citizens' lives together. While children enjoy it like play and learn about record culture and preservation, adults can gain a deeper understanding of Seoul's changes. The fact that it is free makes it surprisingly rich, and combined with nearby permanent exhibitions you can easily enjoy 2–3 hours. It is a great opportunity for foreign tourists to experience how citizen-centered Korea's historical education institutions can be. Highly recommended for families who want a deeper understanding of Seoul and travelers interested in cultural education. Small activities like stamping footprints, making name card stickers, and creating bus models become cherished memories for children and give parents a new perspective on the city of Seoul.