Korea DMZ Memorial Association, Inaugural General Meeting on the 24th

Held at Seongdong St. Francisco Education Center, Seoul

The DMZ Culture Awards ceremony held by the DMZ Culture Center on July 27, 2017, at the Museum Hall of the War Memorial of Korea.

The Korea DMZ Commemoration Association will hold its inaugural general meeting on the 24th at the St. Francisco Education Center in Jeong-dong, Seoul.

According to the Korea DMZ Commemoration Association Promotion Committee on the 21st, more than 150 scholars, experts, researchers, business operators, and former military personnel from industry, academia, and research institutes nationwide related to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) are expected to participate in the inaugural general meeting.

The DMZ is not only a land of sorrow and regret on the Korean Peninsula and a symbol of division, but also a land with infinite potential for both development and conservation. Additionally, the DMZ is the Korean Peninsula's greatest resource, serving as a belt of life and ecology. Utilizing this area as a venue for inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, a natural ecological conservation area, a cultural space, a peace and security tourism site, or an ecological experience learning site is essential for our future.

The Korea DMZ Commemoration Association aims to comprehensively research Panmunjom and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), symbols of the division of the Korean Peninsula and a peace belt, and to serve as a base camp for bridging civil, government, military, industry, academia, and research sectors as well as a think tank. It also promotes commemorative projects, builds human networks, and fosters talent.

The main projects of the Korea DMZ Commemoration Association include △ selecting ‘DMZ Day’ and holding DMZ commemorative ceremonies △ hosting DMZ citizen lectures, academies, forums, debates, and academic seminars △ holding the ‘DMZ Culture Awards’ ceremony △ promoting the establishment of a DMZ memorial hall △ appointing DMZ ambassadors △ operating talent development and educational programs practicing DMZ ideals △ running the Panmunjom & DMZ Research Institute △ publishing DMZ promotional publications △ cultural tourism projects utilizing cultural content of Panmunjom and the DMZ △ and volunteer activities in villages near the DMZ border areas.

Jang Seung-jae, Chairman of the Korea DMZ Commemoration Association Promotion Committee (Director of the DMZ Culture Center, Special Professor at Daejin University DMZ Research Institute), said, “Although the DMZ was established based on the armistice agreement on July 27, 1953, it is very regrettable that commemorative ceremonies and events to reflect on its significance have not been properly held.” He added, “We plan to form a network with meaningful experts from industry, academia, and research related to the DMZ, as well as local residents interested in the DMZ, and work with relevant authorities to promote democratic and transparent operations.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.