This study aims to analyze operational and political issues of science museums of Korea. The fifteen science museums in Korea were investigated for two months， and several challenges in consequence were found: obsolete exhibition contents and facilities; the excessive concentration on the education function; the insufficient expertise of science communicators; and the lack of coordination function of the government. This study proposes five improvement directions in response to the challenges: the enhancement of policy coordination and control functions of the competent ministry; the development of plans for raising the profitability; the intension of incentive systems for qualitative improvement in operational aspects; the expansion of planning capabilities; and the balanced and continuous development of diverse exhibition and experiential programs.