Lee Tae-sik, the president of the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies, attends a press conference held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam, Seoul, on Nov. 20. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KOFST) announced plans to establish a science and technology center in the vicinity of Gangnam Station in Seoul.

On the 20th, KOFST Chairman Lee Tae-sik held a press conference at the Science and Technology Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and noted that they are collaborating with the Gangnam District Office to promote the establishment of a science and technology center. Through this project, they plan to create a Technology Innovation Center, a space for exchange, exhibition, and cultural activities, as well as green spaces in the area around Yeoksam Cultural Park, providing a venue for both science and technology professionals and local residents.

Currently, the Gangnam District Office is conducting a feasibility study for the spatial restructuring project in front of the National Sports Center with an investment of 400 million won.

KOFST also stated that it will push forward the space research program "SSP25" as a key project this year. SSP25 is a space research program of the International Space University (ISU), co-organized by KOFST and the ERICA Campus of Hanyang University, and will be conducted over eight weeks starting June 30. However, this program has not received any government funding. The chairman noted, "We plan to carry out the project through KOFST's own budget and donations."

During the meeting, explanations regarding the comprehensive audit conducted by the Ministry of Science and ICT on KOFST were also provided. The audit reportedly investigated various allegations concerning the official overseas trip of senior KOFST officials, including family accompaniment, personal use of corporate credit cards, and favoritism in related events. The chairman explained, "I have made every effort to clarify that I have no connection with this."