The Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) held “2023 Fusion Fan Day” on 29th April and invited fusion fans and the general public to the institute to celebrate Science Month. 

KFE has been hosting various events for fusion enthusiasts who are affectionately named “Haebaragi” (sunflowers in Korean). “Fusion Fan Day” is one such event - a national outreach program that invites citizens who have been supporting fusion research to visit the research facility and engage with researchers to satisfy their curiosity about fusion. 

Approximately 100 attendees from all over the country, including students who are interested in pursuing a career in fusion or related fields visited the KFE for this event. 

As part of the program, a talk concert was held featuring presentations on fusion energy and recent research updates by Dr. Yong Un Nam and Dr. Won Ha Ko of KFE KSTAR Research Center. The event also included a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for open communication and discussion with participants.

During the event, participants also had the opportunity to tour the KSTAR, a superconducting fusion research device that is currently undergoing inner wall upgrade to perform more advanced research. This facility is usually not accessible to the general public, making the event a unique opportunity for the attendees to experience a more vivid research environment. 

President of KFE, Dr. Suk Jae Yoo, remarked, “Public interest and support are crucial in achieving the development of fusion energy. We are grateful for the interest and support shown for fusion R&D, and will do our best to deliver positive outcomes.”