Honoring the Spirit of Gaecheonjeol: A Call for National Unity and Peace on the Korean Peninsula

A Celebration of Heritage and Peace

On October 2, 2025, a special event titled “Gaecheonjeol Commemoration and Korean Peninsula Peace Unification Ceremony” was held at the Cheongju Urban Regeneration Hub Center to honor the meaning of Gaecheonjeol—the National Foundation Day of Korea—and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to peace and unification.

The event was hosted by the Korean cultural organization Hanmindojun and supported by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Global 10 Branch, the Together Campaign Promotion Committee, and the Korea Federation of Seungdan Associations.
More than 150 participants, including leaders from civic, religious, and social sectors, gathered to reflect on the nation’s founding spirit and to express their hope for a peaceful and unified Korea.

Remembering the Spirit of Hongik Ingan

The commemoration went beyond the historical remembrance of Korea’s founding—it became a moment to revive the values of “Hongik Ingan” (living for the benefit of all humanity) and “Jaese Ihwa” (harmonizing the world through heavenly principles) as guiding ideals for national identity and peace.

The program featured a cultural performance, opening ceremony, keynote speeches, and a peace lecture that emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of Gaecheonjeol.
In her keynote address, Hanmindojun President Kim Ok-soon stated,

“Gaecheonjeol marks the beginning of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity.
Our ancestors preserved their identity through hardships, and today’s democracy and prosperity were built on that foundation.”
She encouraged attendees to practice the Hongik Ingan spirit in everyday life, calling it a “practical value that brings peace when lived out.”

Peace and Unification as a Shared Mission

Byun Jae-joon, Director of HWPL Global 10 Branch, also delivered a congratulatory message:

“Gaecheonjeol is a day to remember our national roots and live out the spirit of Hongik Ingan.
Peace and unification come not only from merging borders but from mutual respect and shared purpose.”

He highlighted the importance of collective effort in building peace and underscored that true unification must embrace cultural understanding and cooperation.

A special performance titled “Where Is the Train Going?” followed, delivering a message of peace and hope that deeply resonated with the audience.

Carrying Forward the Legacy of Peace

Organizers expressed their hope that the ceremony would serve as a cultural platform for unity and harmony, helping future generations inherit the spirit of Gaecheonjeol and contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

HWPL, a UN-registered peace NGO with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, continues its mission to achieve global peace through cultural exchange and dialogue based on the spirit of the Declaration of World Peace.

Meanwhile, Hanmindojun, founded on the heritage of Korea’s first king, Dangun Wanggeom, continues to promote the Hongik Ingan philosophy and national identity through cultural, educational, and commemorative initiatives.

Source: https://vo.la/yELkQIM