On the afternoon of September 26, a heartwarming visit took place at the ‘2025 UNIST Science Festival (Science ON)‘ as special guests from Hyejinwon, a social welfare facility in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, arrived on campus. Fifty residents and staff members from Hyejinwon participated in the event, making it a meaningful extension of the festival’s outreach into the local community.
The theme of this meaningful day was ‘Warm Fall Day on Campus with Hyejinwon,’ About ten volunteers, including students, staffs, and faculty members, warmly welcomed the residents. As they walked together, initial apprehension was replaced with smiles, and hand-in-hand, they headed towards the engineering buildings of UNIST.
Residents of Hyejinwon and volunteers gathered to enjoy a demonstration of AI robotic dogs, sharing a moment of wonder and discovery.
In the bustling plaza where over 110 interactive exhibits and booths were set up, volunteers took on the role of science guides, explaining robotics movements and AI technologies in an accessible manner tailored to the residents’ understanding. Observing their curiosity and engagement, alongside volunteers ensuring their safety, reflected the event’s spirit of inclusivity and shared discovery.
The day continued with the ‘Ulsan Hanmaum Squid Game,’ where residents and volunteers, including Orgenrwot Daniel from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, participated enthusiastically. They ran and shouted ‘Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed,’ playing ‘Red Light, Green Light‘ and breaking down barriers of age and ability, filling the grassy field with laughter and cheers. The festival transformed into a space where everyone could come together and enjoy the moment.
Orgenrwot Daniel is experiencing is enjoying the Ulsan Hanmaum Squid Game, together with the Hyejinwon residents.
Following the activities, residents departed with joyful memories, while volunteers expressed a mix of contentment and nostalgia. The warmth of sharing and caring that blossomed throughout the day exemplified a new direction for science—one rooted in community and compassion.
MinYeong Kim, a student from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering who volunteered at the event, shared, “Spending time laughing and enjoying with the children from Hyejinwon was a precious experience. Seeing their bright smiles reminded me of the happiness that sharing brings.” She further added, “I hope we can build a society where no one’s smile is lost.”
Haejoo Jang, a staff member from the School of Liberal Arts, added, “Watching the children’s eyes light up during the AI robotic dog experience and drone demonstrations was truly inspiring. Although the time was brief, it reaffirmed my belief that science has the power to connect us all.”
UNIST has maintained a regular relationship with Hyejinwon, engaging in exchanges more than twice a year through events, such as musical concerts and community service activities, like Kimjang Day. This recent invitation marked a significant moment in sharing the spirit of scientific celebration with the local community, exemplifying the university’s commitment to social engagement and collaborative growth.
