Mahan Heritage Experience Center

Travel back 2,000 years! Enjoy the Sinchang-dong Mahan Historic Site Experience Center with your kids

About the place

The Sinchang-dong Mahan Historic Site Experience Center is located at 1073-12 Sinchang-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, and it is a special place where you can experience the daily life and culture of the ancient Mahan period from about 2,000 years ago. Opened in December 2022 at the nationally designated Sinchang-dong archaeological site, this experience center is operated as a branch of the Gwangju History and Folk Museum, offering a valuable chance to learn about long-standing history up close.

Main hands-on programs and exhibits

• There are hands-on and educational programs for a wide range of ages, from toddlers and elementary school children to families and adults.

• Signature activities include the following, giving your kids plenty to see, touch, and explore.

  • Fish catching
  • Archery
  • Pottery restoration and making
  • Thread spinning using a spindle whorl
  • Making a wooden hoe, a traditional farming tool
  • Playing an old string instrument
  • Making a macrame wreath, a hand-knotted decoration
  • Experiencing a Mahan forest and kitchen
  • Excavation game, an archaeology activity for young children
  • Creative activities such as folk painting crafts and decorating artifact frames

• In the exhibition area, children can see real artifacts excavated from the Sinchang-dong site, along with recreated scenes of Mahan-era life such as wetlands and raised granaries. It is a lively place for history education where kids can learn by seeing, hearing, and touching.

Visitor information and amenities

• Admission and most hands-on activities are free with a small materials fee for some programs
• Closed every Monday. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30.
• Family-friendly facilities include a kids zone or kids room for infants and children, rest areas, and spacious outdoor green space.
• There is also a nursing room, a lounge area where children can take a short break, and lockers.
• The parking lot is spacious, so parking is easy.
• Group programs are also available. For application details and schedules, please check the Gwangju History and Folk Museum website.

Why we recommend it

• It is a place where children can learn about the history and culture of the Mahan site in a fun way through hands-on activities, while building observation skills, creativity, and teamwork.
• With a variety of indoor and outdoor experience zones, you can enjoy your visit comfortably in any weather.
• It is a wonderful space where different generations can spend time together and make special memories, so we recommend it for both your kids and the whole family.

Tips for your visit

• Before your visit, check the website for program schedules and details, and make a reservation if needed for a fuller experience.
• For some programs, a small materials fee may apply.
• Staff guidance and hands-on learning tools are actively provided, so you can join in comfortably.

Final note

"The Sinchang-dong Mahan Historic Site Experience Center is a place where you can set off on an exciting journey into the past with your kids. Hands-on history, immersive sensory activities, and comfortable facilities all in one place. We confidently recommend it as a special family outing destination."