[IPYG] Expands Youth Peace and Education Initiatives in South Africa Through Partnership with SALSO

[IPYG] Expands Youth Peace and Education Initiatives in South Africa Through Partnership with SALSO

In June, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) formed a strategic partnership with the South African Learners Support Organization (SALSO) to strengthen youth education and peacebuilding initiatives across South Africa. 

The collaboration focuses on empowering learners with practical skills, inclusive education opportunities, and values-based leadership to help young people realize their full potential.

Based in Johannesburg, SALSO supports more than 2,500 learners nationwide through a wide range of educational and social programs. 

Its work prioritizes vulnerable learners, out-of-school youth, educators, and parents, addressing critical issues such as career guidance, menstrual and sexual health education, bullying prevention, and barriers to learning. 

These efforts contribute to more equitable access to education and long-term community resilience.

[IPYG] Strengthens Youth Peace Education in South Africa with SALSO

As part of the partnership, IPYG and SALSO conducted a youth training session on July 19 in the Soweto area, targeting young people affected by unemployment and limited career opportunities. 

The program included hands-on training in résumé and proposal writing using AI-based digital tools, alongside youth leadership education. 

Participants were encouraged to grow as peace ambassadors and responsible leaders within their local communities.

Earlier, on June 4, the two organizations jointly commemorated World Menstrual Hygiene Day at Tavo High School in Naledi, Johannesburg. 

The event provided students with accurate information on menstrual health and access to personal hygiene products, supporting dignity, health, and uninterrupted education for young women.

[IPYG] Strengthens Youth Peace Education in South Africa with SALSO

Looking ahead, IPYG and SALSO plan to regularly operate the Youth Empowerment Peace Classroom (YEPC), redesigned to meet learners’ needs. 

Through continued cooperation, the partnership aims to expand peace education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development opportunities across South Africa.

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IPYG: Building Youth-Led Peace Through Global Partnerships

 [IPYG] Building Youth-Led Peace Through Global Partnerships

The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) continues to expand its global network, strengthening youth-led peace initiatives through collaboration and action. 

As of this year, IPYG partners with 1,560 organizations across 129 countries, reflecting a growing international commitment to sustainable peace. In 2025 alone, 297 organizations from nine countries newly joined the network, further broadening its global reach.

[IPYG] Building Youth-Led Peace Through Global Partnerships

This momentum was evident during the HWPL World Peace Summit 11th Anniversary, where 111 government-affiliated youth organizations from around the world participated as official name sponsors. 

Their involvement highlighted not just numerical growth, but IPYG's ability to build meaningful, working partnerships across regions and sectors.

[IPYG] Building Youth-Led Peace Through Global Partnerships

At the core of IPYG's activities is the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW), structured around five action models: public awareness, volunteering, training, policy advocacy, and creative collaboration. 

Through this framework, youth design and implement peace projects while working alongside government ministries, corporations, and NGOs.

[IPYG] Building Youth-Led Peace Through Global Partnerships

Regional initiatives demonstrate this approach in action. In Austria and Germany, the Youth Empowerment Peace Class led to an official invitation to present at the European Youth Parliament. 

In Atlanta, a community-based peace program received corporate support from The Home Depot and McDonald's, along with endorsements from six local mayors. 

In Tanzania, IPYG partnered with universities and a university hospital to conduct plogging activities and medical check-ups.

[IPYG] Building Youth-Led Peace Through Global Partnerships

IPYG also promotes transparency and collaboration through an online platform showcasing partner organizations' initiatives, allowing youth and institutions worldwide to connect and cooperate. Beyond formal partnerships, YEPW members practice peace in everyday life, leading community-based

As IPYG grows, its focus remains clear: empowering youth to lead practical, collaborative efforts that advance peace locally and globally.

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[HWPL]A Ping-Pong Ball Sparks a Rally for Peace

[HWPL] The 1st Connect Korea Table Tennis Tournament Held in Gwangju

The 1st Connect Korea Table Tennis Tournament was successfully held on September 27 at the Dong-gu Multipurpose Gymnasium in Gwangju, receiving enthusiastic participation and warm applause from citizens. 

The event took place as part of HWPL’s “Together: Connecting Korea” campaign, delivering a message of harmony and peace beyond the division of the Korean Peninsula through the universal language of sports.

[HWPL]A Ping-Pong Ball Sparks a Rally for Peace

Jointly hosted by the Together Gwangju–Jeonnam Promotion Committee, Honam Ilbo, and the Gwangsan District Chapter of the Gwangju Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, and organized by the Connect Korea Organizing Committee, the tournament gathered representatives from local governments, civic organizations, associations of North Korean defectors, and disability advocacy groups. 

About 280 citizens took part, sharing the common vision of “practicing a culture of peace through sports.”

[HWPL]A Ping-Pong Ball Sparks a Rally for Peace

More than a competition of skill, the tournament became a place for natural interaction among people from diverse backgrounds. As rallies continued, tension eased into smiles and laughter, and cheers gradually filled the gym. 

Around a single ping-pong table, differences of generation, ideology, and region were momentarily set aside as participants moved in one rhythm and one direction.

[HWPL]A Ping-Pong Ball Sparks a Rally for Peace

A particularly moving moment came during a special exhibition match. Kim Chun-hwa, a former board member of an association of North Korean defectors, and Kim Dae-gon, a former army commander—once positioned on opposite sides of the military divide—played together as a team. 

When the audience learned their story, the stands erupted in applause as the two rallied side by side, symbolizing reconciliation and understanding through sports.

The event also featured a Peace Message Photo Zone, where citizens shared handwritten messages expressing their hopes for peace. 

Phrases such as “Let’s continue the rally toward peace” and “A big dream in a small ball—peace for all” reflected a sincere public desire to overcome division and move toward harmony on the Korean Peninsula.

[HWPL]A Ping-Pong Ball Sparks a Rally for Peace

A representative of the Connect Korea Table Tennis Organizing Committee said,

“Today’s matches were more than a sporting event. They symbolized the direction we must pursue for peace, and we will continue this rally for peace together with our citizens.”

The 1st Connect Korea Table Tennis Tournament concluded with the shared understanding that even a small ping-pong ball can carry a powerful message—bringing people together and sustaining the rally for peace.

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Interfaith Dialogue for Peace: HWPL WARP Office Signboard Hanging Ceremony and Peace Agreement in South Korea

 [HWPL] HWPL Global 09 Branch signed a peace agreement with Guwolsa and Yeonhwasa Temples in South Korea to promote interfaith dialogue and practical cooperation for peace.

On September 26, an interfaith peace initiative was held at Guwolsa Temple in Bucheon, South Korea, where HWPL Global 09 Branch conducted a WARP Office signboard hanging ceremony and signed a peace agreement with Guwolsa and Yeonhwasa Temples. 

The event marked a step forward in strengthening interreligious dialogue and promoting religion as a foundation for peace rather than division.

Approximately 30 participants, including religious leaders and civil society representatives, attended the ceremony. 

The program included opening remarks, a presentation on HWPL’s global peace activities, the unveiling and installation of the WARP Office signboards, the signing of a memorandum of understanding, and a commemorative photo session. 

Following the ceremony, HWPL and the two temples formally agreed to cooperate on peace-oriented initiatives.

Religious leaders emphasized that interfaith harmony is achieved not by eliminating differences, but by understanding and respecting them. 

Speakers noted that religion should guide individuals and communities toward reconciliation, social cohesion, and mutual coexistence. 

The agreement reflected a shared commitment to preventing religious conflict through continuous dialogue and cooperation.

In closing remarks, an HWPL representative stated that sustainable peace becomes reality when the unique values and wisdom of each religion serve as the basis for mutual respect. 

HWPL reaffirmed its role as a global peace initiative working alongside diverse religious communities to advance dialogue-based peacebuilding.

Following the agreement, HWPL Global 09 Branch and the two temples will expand collaboration through youth peace education, community compassion programs, and ongoing interfaith cooperation. 

This initiative presents a practical model of faith-based peacebuilding in South Korea with relevance to international civil society and global peace efforts.

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IPYG加入団体の紹介 - アロー国際青年リーダーシップ委員会(AYLCI)

 [IPYG] AYLCIとIPYG、青年たちが作る新しい平和リーダーシップモデル

IPYG加入団体の紹介 - アロー国際青年リーダーシップ委員会(AYLCI)

アロー国際青年リーダーシップ委員会(AYLCI)は米国ジョージア州ユニオンシティに本部を置く青年リーダーシップ団体で、メンタリング·学業支援·市民参加を通じて青年たちが21世紀に必要なリーダーシップと職業力量を備えるように助けています。 「考え·疎通·共感·実行」の4つの原則を核心価値として全人的リーダー養成を指向します。

IPYG加入団体の紹介 - アロー国際青年リーダーシップ委員会(AYLCI)

2025年、AYLCIは地域社会の葛藤を解決するため、IPYGと共にアトランタ青年平和構築ワーキンググループ(YEPW)を結成しました。 代表プロジェクト「Play4Peace ATL」では青年たちが経験した葛藤事例を基盤に平和プロジェクトを企画し、政府関係者との疎通法と政策提案書の作成法を学ぶ活動が進められました。

また、「地域社会の深層対話」を通じて6都市の市長と青年、住民が暴力と公平性、連帯問題について議論し、その後サウスフルトン市はYEPWのプロジェクトを支持し、6月6~8日を「平和週間」と宣言しました。

IPYG加入団体の紹介 - アロー国際青年リーダーシップ委員会(AYLCI)

YEPWは自治体のためのツールキットを製作し、DPCW第10条「平和文化の伝播」を支持する決議案を推進し、5つの都市と郡が立法宣言文を採択しました。 AYLCI設立者のマヤ·テイラー博士は「平和のための遊びを通じて私たちは一つのチームになる」と伝えました。

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沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

 沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

韓国の都市旅行だけでは物足りないと感じるなら、忠清北道(チュンチョンブクド)の沃川(オクチョン)に位置する長渓(ジャンゲ)観光地(長渓観光団地)は自然の中で余裕を感じることができる完璧な旅行地です。

沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

大清湖(デチョンホ)に沿って広がる林道と穏やかな湖の風景のおかげで、多くの旅行者が「韓国の隠れたヒーリングスポット」と呼ぶ場所でもあります。

沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

長渓(ジャンゲ)観光地は1986年に大清湖(デチョンホ)の周辺の自然景観を保存·活用するために造られた国民観光地で、今は地域住民と旅行客の両方に愛される憩いの場となりました。

沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

-長渓(ジャンゲ)観光地が特別な理由

📌湖·山·森が調和した風景

大清湖(デチョンホ)に沿って造られた遊歩道が長く続いており、四季折々の魅力を感じることができます。

📌物静かな雰囲気

混雑した観光地とは異なり、静かな自然を完全に楽しむことができます。

📌四季折々の自然色が美しい場所

春には黄緑色の森、夏には陰影とアジサイの道、秋には紅葉、冬には静かな湖の風景が広がります。

📌ピクニック·散歩 最適地

広い芝生と湖畔の憩いの場がよく造られており、軽い遠足やヒーリング旅行に良いです。

沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

🚗 位置 & アクセス

長渓(ジャンゲ)観光地は忠清北道沃川郡案内面(チュンチョンブクド、オクチョングン、ウッネメョン）に位置し、大田(テジョン)から車で約40~50分で到着するのでアクセスも良いです。

公共交通機関も利用可能ですが、自家用車の移動が最も便利です。

沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

🕒ご利用情報

営業時間:概ね09:00~21:30(季節によって変動可能)

入場料無料 / 駐車無料

近くにカフェや食堂、小さな商店があり、楽に滞在できます。

沃川·長渓観光地-韓国の隠れた湖の旅先を紹介

-外国人旅行者が好む理由

長渓(ジャンゲ)観光地は韓国の静かで静かな自然を経験できる所です。

湖と森の間を散歩しながら韓国の日常を感じることができ、華やかな都市観光とは正反対の魅力を提供します。

韓国の隠れた地域まで旅行する方に特におすすめのスポットです。

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タイトル:IWPGチョン·ナヨン代表、メキシコUJAT「平和文化増進賞」受賞しました

[IWPG] タイトル:IWPGチョン·ナヨン代表、メキシコUJAT「平和文化増進賞」受賞しました

*女性平和教育協力の結果です

世界女性平和グループ(IWPG)のチョン·ナヨン代表がメキシコのタバスコ·フアレス自治大学(UJAT)から平和文化増進賞を受賞しました。 今回の授賞はUJAT創立67周年記念行事と共に開かれた「第4回国際ジェンダー研究および暴力予防学際間大会」開幕式で行われ、約350人が参加しました。 チョン代表の代わりに、IWPGグローバル10局のユ·ミンスク国際協力部長が賞を受賞しました。

タイトル:IWPGチョン·ナヨン代表、メキシコUJAT「平和文化増進賞」受賞しました

チョン代表は中南米地域で平和教育の拡大と女性の人権増進に寄与した功労を認められました。 同日、IWPGグローバル10局とUJATは平和教育MOUを締結し、メキシコで初めてIWPG女性平和教育(PLTE)を大学の学士課程に導入することになりました。 これは中南米で平和教育が制度圏に編入される重要な一歩と評価されています。

また、UJAT平和委員会が公式に発足し、教授·大学院生·学部生など7人が平和委員に委嘱されました。 委員長のイボン·アドリアナ教授は、現在50人の学生がPLTE一般課程を修了したと伝え、今後12の分科に拡大する計画だと明らかにしました。

タイトル:IWPGチョン·ナヨン代表、メキシコUJAT「平和文化増進賞」受賞しました

ラジオXETVH1230AMのインタビューで、イボン教授はスペイン語基盤の教育資料がラテンアメリカ全域で活用できると説明しました。 IWPGは122カ国115支部、800余りの協力団体とともに世界平和文化の拡散と女性平和教育活動を続けています。

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HWPL、タンザニアのニエレレ祝日イベント共同主催

[HWPL] タンザニアのニエレレ祝日イベント共同主催

「健康な市民、平和な社会」を強調しました

HWPLグローバル02タンザニア支部は10月14日、タンザニア政府とニューホープ地域開発団体と共に「ニエレレの祝日記念行事」を共同主催しました。 今回のイベントは「地域社会の平和意識の鼓吹」をテーマに行われ、市民や政府関係者など約180人が参加して大きな関心を集めました。

HWPL、タンザニアのニエレレ祝日イベント共同主催

今回の記念行事はタンザニア保健部の公式要請で推進され、ニューホープ地域開発団体で健康と平和を連結した多様なプログラムが進行されました。 イベントは祈りと説教から始まり「健康と平和の関係」、「地域社会の健康認識の重要性」を扱う発表が続きました。 また、カイルキ病院の医療スタッフが市民に無料健康診断を提供し、健康な生活が平和な社会につながるというメッセージを直接体験できるようにしました。

HWPL、タンザニアのニエレレ祝日イベント共同主催

現場には、病院、銀行、NGOなど 7 つの機関がブースを運営しました。 HWPLはここで平和教育と国際協力事業を紹介し、市民はHWPLの持続可能な平和文化造成活動に高い関心を示しました。 ニューホープ地域開発団体のバラカ·チャンボワ事務総長は「HWPLとの協力を通じて市民に無料健康診断と平和意識を伝えることができ、意味深かった」と感想を伝えました。

HWPL、タンザニアのニエレレ祝日イベント共同主催

今回のイベントはタンザニアの主要放送局Azam TVを通じて報道され、意味を加えました。 HWPLタンザニア支部は「今回の活動が市民が自ら平和の価値を認識する契機になった」として、今後も政府·地域団体との協力を強化し平和文化拡散に寄与すると明らかにしました。

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HWPL Holds 11th Anniversary of September 18th World Peace Summit in Nairobi – Launch of Peace City Project

[HWPL] HWPL Holds 11th Anniversary of September 18th World Peace Summit in Nairobi – Launch of Peace City Project

The 11th Anniversary of the HWPL September 18 World Peace Summit was commemorated on September 7, 2025, at the University of Nairobi Science Campus in Kenya. 

Co-hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK)—a government body—the event brought together 550 participants, including 7 VIPs, to reaffirm a united commitment to building a culture of sustainable peace.

Key Dignitaries and Representatives

Distinguished attendees included:

Ms. Aurelia Rono, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, representing the Prime Cabinet Secretary

Hon. Athanas Nyaboke Ongeri, Judge of the High Court of Kenya

Ms. Prisca Kamungi, Peace & Development Officer, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office

Mr. Ramadan Abubakar, President, East Africa Law Society

Mr. Linus Thigai, Executive Director, IRCK

Mr. Felix Amu, Acting Permanent Representative, United Nations Office in Nairobi

Their participation emphasized the significance of the event for Kenya’s peace-building landscape.

Program Highlights

The program featured:

A video showcasing HWPL’s global peace initiatives

2025 achievements and future vision presentation

Congratulatory remarks from government & UN leaders

IRCK’s signing of the DPCW resolution

Official declaration of the "Peace City Nairobi Project"

Collective signing of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)

Major Outcomes

The event resulted in several concrete achievements:

Full DPCW support signatures from every participant

Four official letters of support from senior government officials

IRCK’s formal adoption of DPCW Articles 8, 9, and 10, emphasizing inter-religious harmony

An official support declaration from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary for the Peace City Project

Notable Statements

Mr. Linus Thigai, Executive Director of IRCK, stated:

> “Articles 8, 9, and 10 of the DPCW are essential for inter-religious peace in Kenya, which is why we have adopted this resolution.”

Ms. Aurelia Rono, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, shared:

> “We are delighted that HWPL will work with Nairobi and Kenya for peace. We hope to achieve practical peace, and both Parliament and the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s Office will actively support this effort.”

A Milestone for Peace in Kenya

This anniversary ceremony marked a major milestone in advancing a culture of peace in Kenya.

The declaration of the Peace City Nairobi Project—supported by national leaders, the UN, and inter-religious communities—signals a meaningful step toward establishing Nairobi as a model Peace City through international cooperation.

As HWPL and IRCK continue their partnership, the efforts made in 2025 are expected to become a strong foundation for long-term peacebuilding across East Africa.

👉Together, let us pass on peace—not conflict—to future generations.

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HWPL 2025 9·18 World Peace Summit | 11th Anniversary Expands Global Peace Initiatives in Cheongju, South Korea

[HWPL] 2025 9·18 World Peace Summit | 11th Anniversary Expands Global Peace Initiatives in Cheongju, South Korea

From September 18–19, 2025, the 11th Anniversary of the HWPL 9·18 World Peace Summit was held in Cheongju, South Korea, bringing together more than 800 leaders from politics, religion, education, media, and youth sectors.

DPCW – The Legal Framework for Peace

A central focus of the summit was the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), which emphasizes three key principles:

🚫 Prohibition of the use of force

🤝 Prevention and mediation of conflicts

🌍 Building sustainable peace structures

Over the last year, 17 parliaments and local governments, including Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, South Sudan, and the U.S. state of Georgia, have adopted resolutions supporting the DPCW.

Peace Education & Interfaith Dialogue

Peace Education: Zambia announced that all schools in Lusaka will integrate HWPL peace education, with a nationwide expansion planned.

Interfaith Harmony: The newly launched Standing Committee on Religious Peace and Unity (SRPC) now supports interfaith dialogues in 132 countries.

Korean Peninsula: Plans for inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation were presented by the Committee for Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee stated:

“Conflict can never be considered good. Achieving peace is the true good. If our generation fails to build peace, future generations will only inherit division and pain.”

Former Croatian President Ivo Josipović added:

“This year’s achievements prove that everlasting peace is not a dream but a reality we can achieve.”

Why HWPL’s Peace Summit Matters

HWPL’s membership surpassed 580,000 worldwide, with over 140,000 new members in the past year alone.

From Zambian classrooms to Latin American parliaments, from interfaith dialogue platforms to Korean Peninsula cooperation, HWPL continues to plant the seeds of peace globally.

👉 Join this movement today. Together, let us pass on peace—not conflict—to future generations.

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918WorldPeaceSummit: 11th Anniversary of HWPL — A Global Promise of Peace Together

 [HWPL] 918WorldPeaceSummit: 11th Anniversary of HWPL 

September 18–19, 2025, the 11th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit (918WorldPeaceSummit) will be held in South Korea under the theme:

“Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity’s Duty Together.”

 918WorldPeaceSummit: 11th Anniversary of HWPL

More than 770 global leaders – including presidents; prime ministers; speakers of national assemblies; chief justices; ministers; and leaders in education, religion, and media – will gather to celebrate this 11th Anniversary and to share achievements while charting a path forward for peace.

 918WorldPeaceSummit: 11th Anniversary of HWPL

Since the inaugural summit in 2014, HWPL has advanced key initiatives such as the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), interfaith harmony, and peace education. Over the past year, support for the DPCW has grown worldwide, with endorsements from legislative bodies in the United States, Mongolia, Mali, the Philippines, Madagascar, and the Latin American Parliament representing 23 nations.

📚 Peace Education is being adopted in Timor-Leste’s national curriculum, with nearly 70% of universities cooperating.

🤝 The campaign Peace_Together for Korean unification continues to expand through partnerships with local governments.

🌐 Global Growth: HWPL membership has increased from 500,000 to 700,000 within a year – reflecting the vision of the Promise_of_Peace_11th_year and humanity’s shared desire for peace.

 918WorldPeaceSummit: 11th Anniversary of HWPL

As Chairman ManHeeLee emphasized: 

“We are not strangers to peace. We are the people of peace. Let us lead this world to become one of peace.”

 918WorldPeaceSummit: 11th Anniversary of HWPL

In addition to the main event in Korea, 78 countries will host commemorative events through October, with more than 15,000 participants expected to join.

✨ Together with HWPL, let’s make peace not just a dream but a living reality for all humanity.

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The hidden symbol of peace in Mongolia, a place we really want to visit someday

 [HWPL] The hidden symbol of peace in Mongolia, a place we really want to visit someday

On May 9th, a special event took place in a quiet village on the vast Mongolian steppe. About 400 students, local residents, and education officials gathered at the 1st Middle School in Bulgan Sum of Khövsgöl Aimag to share an unforgettable moment at the unveiling ceremony of the Peace Monument.

That day was not simply an event to unveil a statue. It was a day when a village came together to say to the world, "We believe in peace. And we want to share that belief with the world."

This event was the result of HWPL and the school working hand in hand. It will resonate deeply not only with those who attended that day but also with everyone who will encounter this monument in the future. Now, the peace monument standing tall in a corner of the school is telling us that it is entirely possible to live together harmoniously and peacefully, even with different cultures, languages, and ways of thinking.

Principal Sodno Bayarsaikhan, who was at the centre of this Peace Monument project, spoke earnestly. "This monument is not just a sculpture, but a symbol for future generations. In a time when people from all over the world live and move freely, I hope that travellers from not only Mongolia but also the United States, Japan, and Korea will see this monument and feel, 'This is the land of peace.'"

This dream does not stop here. The principal announced that they will include the HWPL peace education programme in the regular curriculum so that all students can learn about peace. Furthermore, they hope that this education will spread beyond the school to the whole community.

On the day of the event, the students sang the song 'Peace Dove' to convey a message of hope and solidarity. It was a strong declaration that went beyond a simple performance, showing that the next generation is ready to inherit the spark of peace.

The education officer of Ganchimek Urtanasan has added to the uniqueness of this area. Bulgansom is a region where the Turgut and Kazakh peoples live together. Their languages, cultures, and ways of life are different, but the people here have always lived warmly and peacefully. "This monument embodies our hope to continue living this way in the future."

The impact of this event will not be limited to just one day. HWPL plans to continuously deliver peace education throughout the schools and communities in this region. Now that the Mongolian government has introduced 'citizen ethics education', a special opportunity has arisen for a culture of peace to grow not only through institutions but also from within the hearts of the people.

So the next time you hear the word ‘Mongolia’, please do not just think of the grasslands and horses, but also remember this small school. Bulgan Sum No. 1 Middle School, the children singing peace, the towering peace monument, and the quietly emerging changes in peace education.

And perhaps, a small step towards peace may begin in your life as you read this.

👉 Official Event Page: http://314dpcw.org/

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Where Joseon’s Humility Breathes, Daejeon Dongchundang

[korea] Where Joseon’s Humility Breathes, Daejeon Dongchundang

Located in Songchon-dong, Hoedeok, in the quiet downtown area of ​​Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea, ‘Dongchundang (同春堂)’ is a place that makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Joseon Dynasty. It is neither splendid nor grandiose, but the spirit and architectural beauty contained within it are rather simple and noble, deeply resonating with the hearts of those who see it.

This is a detached building built in 1643 by Dongchundang Song Jun-gil (1606–1672), a scholar and high-ranking official in the mid-Joseon Dynasty, when he was 38 years old. It was originally built by his father Song I-chang, but it was moved to its current location and rebuilt, completing the current ‘Dongchundang.’ Afterwards, in 1678, after the death of Song Jun-gil, his close friend and representative of Joseon Confucianism, Song Si-yeol, wrote a plaque that read ‘Dongchundang’ to further solidify the identity of the building.

‘Dongchun (同春)’ means ‘spring with all things’. This phrase contains the ideal of a scholar who wanted to live as one with nature. Confucian scholars at the time were wary of extravagant lives and considered frugality a virtue. That’s why Dongchundang’s ondol room did not have a separate chimney, but only had a small hole in the bottom side of the building to let out smoke. By keeping the smoke out, it perfectly embodies the humility of the era when it was considered shameful to enjoy warmth.

The building structure is also simple and modest. It is 3 kan in the front and 2 kan on the side, with 4 kan on the right as a wooden floor and 2 kan on the left as an ondol room. The front, back, and sides of the house are surrounded by a porch, and when the door is opened, the inside and outside become one space, without any boundaries with nature. Sometimes, the wisdom of Joseon, which chose wind and sunlight over walls, permeates this place.

During the roof repair process that took place between 2012 and 2013, the 1617 Sangryangmun, the 1649 relocation record, and the 1709 repair details were confirmed. In this way, Dongchundang is not just a building, but also a record of ‘life and spirit’ that has endured in the same place through three eras.

Dear readers from overseas, there is such architecture in Korea. A house that puts the heart before the exterior, and teaches humility over convenience. Under a roof that tries not to stand out, the breath of a scholar who loved learning and embraced people still remains.

This is Korea Dongchundang. If you have a chance to travel to Daejeon, be sure to stop by this place where you can spend a quiet and elegant time in the middle of a bustling city. The heart of an old scholar who wanted to keep his essence even in a busy world will quietly welcome you.

*The above text is [full text] translated by 'Google Translate'. 'Google Translate' is working to improve comprehension. Please note that there may be errors in the English translation.

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