The National Aviation Museum of Korea has provided its visitors with aviation-related information and fun through well-categorized exhibitions and simulation-based experiences since its opening on July 5, 2020.

The museum is located at Gimpo Airport, conveniently accessible via Seoul Subway Line 9 and Line 5

From the first floor to the third floor, the museum exhibits aviation history, information on the aviation industry, and possible future aviation life, allowing visitors to gain both knowledge and enjoyment from aviation.

The museum is laid out in a typical fashion, starting from the first floor and moving up to the third, but the second floor contains a pleasant surprise for visitors. 

The second floor consists of flight control systems, Black Eagles virtual reality, and inflight training experiences.

The flight control system experience is divided into piloting and ATC (Air Traffic Control) simulations.

For the piloting simulation, participants join a simulated cockpit with an instructor with real life flight experience to experience flight procedures from takeoff to landing.

Followed by the piloting simulation, participants proceed directly to ATC simulation. During the experience, participants communicate with the aircraft engaged in the flight simulation overseeing the safety of the flight.

If those two activities seem dull, the Black Eagle Experience is sure to exhilarate any visitor. 

With a 360 degree rotating seat equipped with virtual reality, participants can immerse themselves in a simulation three dimensional flight of the Republic of Korea Air Force's elite aerobatic team, the Black Eagles. 

Through this dynamic and vivid experience, participants can feel like the protagonist of an air show.

On the first floor, there is an exhibition dedicated to world aviation history, with a focus on Korean aviation history. 

While it is common knowledge that the Wright Brothers were the founders of modern aviation, the exhibition truly showcases the depths of their pioneering aviation genius. 

 There is also a  detailed booth for Zeppelin who made the airship like something out of sci-fi movies.

 In addition, the museum has a well-arranged exhibit on the Willows Aviation School.

The museum was established to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the school. 

The school was established in California in the United States in 1920 to train Korean pilots by the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.

However, it unfortunately was closed down after a short period due to the effects of floods. 

Later, its students traveled to various countries to continue to study aviation.

The story of the heroes who fought in the sky against Japanese colonialism resonates with museum tourists.

Finally,  on the third floor, there is an exhibition depicting the first female pilot of Korea named Kiok Kown, alongside her fully restored training aircraft, the Cauldron G.3. 

Chaemoon Han
Grade 9
Laurel Springs School