Humans have lived in adaptation to nature over long periods, but simultaneously, they have transformed nature and advanced culture by accumulating knowledge and technology. They have satisfied their needs and responded to environmental changes in various ways, expanding their habitats. In areas with water shortages, reservoirs and waterways were created, and levees were built around large rivers and lakes to fill low-lying lands. Reclamation is an act of transforming nature to create better environments. It began in the low-lying areas around large rivers and lakes and expanded to include filling tidal flats and seas.
Especially, the Saemangeum Reclamation Project in Korea represents the largest scale of dyke construction in the world, demonstrating humanity's capacity for change while forging a new future.

The Humans and Reclamation Room deals with the background of reclamation, focusing on the sea, tidal flats, and rivers that serve as the basis for reclamation. The sandbanks and tidal flats along riverbanks were habitats even before they were reclaimed for reclamation projects. People timed their activities to the tides, harvesting fish and clams from the tidal flats, and launching boats into the sea. Knowing the changes between high and low tide was crucial. They explored the reasons behind these phenomena and recorded changes in topography and depth on maps. Some also captured the seaside landscapes and moods in poetry and paintings as forms of artistic expression. Changes in nature were seen both as challenges to overcome and as objects of awe. The aspects that were beyond human control became matters of faith.
People by the seaside sought to overcome difficulties through the power of faith.

The Korean Reclamation Room offers a chronological exploration of reclamation projects carried out across the Korean Peninsula. From ancient times to the present, Korean reclamation has adapted to the natural environment, geographical conditions, historical context, and socio-economic circumstances and objectives, manifesting in various forms. Since ancient times, as a traditionally agricultural nation, reclamation was undertaken to secure farmland in response to an increasing population and rising food demand. Entering the modern era, reclamation activities intensified with urbanization and industrialization, which led to population growth and geographical concentration. Throughout history, advancements in technology and capabilities, as well as accumulated experience, have continuously improved the methods of reclamation.

Saemangeum, home to Korea's largest land reclamation project and the longest seawall in the world. The Saemangeum Room explores the historical significance of the Saemangeum area, reflecting on its ancient and modern meanings.
The space allows visitors to examine the traces of life from the prehistoric era, evidence of maritime exchanges, historical records as a strategic maritime location, and the history of exploitation during the Japanese occupation, leading up to the initiation of the current Saemangeum reclamation project.

The Reclamation Worldwide Room allows visitors to recognize the diverse characteristics of land reclamation history from around the world.
There were regions geographically advantageous for reclamation, places that carried out reclamation to secure agricultural land for survival, as well as countries and cities that chose reclamation for political reasons and urban expansion. Moreover, countries that utilized reclamation for modernization were also noted. To illustrate these features, examples from countries such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Russia, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States have been sampled. Through this diverse global reclamation exhibition, visitors can explore how humanity has developed and transformed through reclamation methods.

This room combines the past, landscapes, present, and future of Saemangeum into a media art presentation, creating an immersive virtual space and featuring interactive content for visitor participation.