Echoes of Filial Piety and Peace: A Symbolic Journey Toward Korean Reunification

On June 7, 2025, over 500 participants gathered at the Mapo Central Library in Seoul for a special peace event titled “Echoes of Filial Piety and Peace: Connecting the Nation.” Framed as a symbolic train ride toward reunification, the event invited citizens of all generations to reflect on the enduring values of filial piety (효), national sacrifice, and peace as the heart of a unified future.

A Peace Train Fueled by Gratitude and Unity

Hosted by the Korea Hyodo Association’s Mapo Chapter and the “Together Campaign” in northern Seoul-Gyeonggi, the event merged Korea’s deep-rooted respect for elders with the urgency of reunification. Attendees were given symbolic train tickets and passed through themed “stations,” eventually arriving at the final destination: Peace Unification Station.

In her opening remarks, Lee Wonsook, head of the Korea Hyodo Association’s Mapo branch, stated:

“True reunification may not come from one event, but with continued civic efforts, we can open the road to a peaceful future. Let’s walk this path together.”

 

 

Filial Piety as the Heartbeat of Peace

Many speakers emphasized that the core value of 효 (filial piety) extends beyond the family to include one’s nation and people.

Lee Seungjoo, Honorary Director of HWPL Global 07, remarked:

“The bond between siblings and the unity between divided nations are both rooted in the spirit of filial piety. True 효 embraces the love of family and the love of one’s people.”

The audience was deeply moved by a testimony from Kim Incheol, a North Korean defector and peace advocate, who spoke about the enduring pain of separated families.

“Of the 135,000 people who applied for family reunions, nearly 98,000 have already passed away. Reunification is no longer a future issue—it is an urgent one.”

From Performance to Conversation: A Shared Experience

A moving musical drama followed, portraying the sorrow of division and the hope of a peaceful future. The performance culminated in a sea of light as participants waved phone flashlights in unison, creating a collective vision of harmony and solidarity.

Afterward, a community roundtable titled “Unification Café” allowed participants to discuss themes of generational respect, the legacy of veterans, and the necessity of free travel between North and South Korea.

Ryu Jaesik, chairman of the Korean War Veterans Association’s Seoul chapter, shared:

“It’s inspiring to see the younger generation honor their elders and actively support peace. I will do all I can to ensure more people join this journey of peace before my time is up.”

 

Connecting the Nation, One Step at a Time

This event was not just a reflection on the past — it was a meaningful step into the future. By connecting filial duty with national healing, participants left with a deeper understanding that peace is not just political — it’s personal, cultural, and moral.

As part of the “Together Campaign’s” core initiative, Connecting the Nation, the program was supported by HWPL and various civic organizations aiming to expand grassroots awareness for peaceful reunification.

Let us honor our elders by building the peaceful nation they dreamed of — and pass that dream forward.

Source:  https://vo.la/FszVstn