Uniting Generations, Healing Divides: HWPL’s “Together” Campaign for Peace in Korea

In a time of global division, climate crisis, and generational disconnect, one message rings louder than ever: “We Are One.” With this vision, the international peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) launched a nationwide campaign in Korea to turn division into unity — through action, culture, and dialogue.

The campaign, titled “Together: Connecting Korea” (동행: 대한민국을 잇다), was officially launched during the 10th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit on September 18, 2024. Since then, it has inspired a wave of citizen-led peacebuilding initiatives across the country — echoing the spirit of the 1970s Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement), but for a new era.

A Campaign Rooted in Unity and Action

The “Together” campaign aims to address Korea’s modern social conflicts — including generational divides, multicultural challenges, and climate change — through grassroots solidarity and cooperation.

Much like the Saemaul Undong transformed rural Korea through community-driven modernization, HWPL’s campaign draws on that same spirit of participation, volunteerism, and national unity. But this time, the goal is not economic development — it’s peace.

The campaign unfolds across four key themes:

1. Bridging Generations

In Busan, young volunteers ran pop-up cafés and art exhibitions to raise awareness about the struggles of elderly citizens living alone. Proceeds were donated to support senior welfare, and more importantly, conversations were sparked between generations.

2. Embracing Cultures

In Gwangju, Seoul, and Gyeonggi Province, multicultural outreach programs supported Korean language learning for multicultural families and held cultural understanding campaigns — strengthening Korea’s identity as a diverse and welcoming society.

3. Securing the Future

Environmental actions — including energy-saving campaigns and carbon neutrality initiatives in Gwangju — reflected a commitment to sustainability. These efforts show that building peace also means protecting the planet.

4. Reuniting the Nation

Activities like “Communication Day with North Korean Defectors” in Seoul highlighted the importance of citizen dialogue in pursuing peace and reunification on the Korean peninsula.

Peace in Performance: Concerts and Culture

On October 1, 2024, a Peace Concert held at Taeguksa Temple in Miryang brought together communities for a night of traditional Korean music, dance, and interfaith reflection.

• A peace booth introduced HWPL’s 3 core initiatives: international law for peace, interfaith harmony, and peace education.

• Participants added hand-written peace messages to a collective “Peace” mural.

• Attendees joined together for a symbolic bibimbap performance, sharing a meal to represent unity.

Buddhist monk Heo Deok-lim, abbot of Geumsuam Temple, shared:

“Buddha, Jesus, and Confucius all called us to become one. I will walk with HWPL in its peace journey.”

 

Nature and Harmony: The Geumgang River Environmental Music Festival

On October 19, 2024, in Geumsan, the “Harmony of Nature and Music” festival combined performances with environmental awareness. Organized by HWPL and the Global Earthkeepers Movement, it emphasized the role of community in sustainable living and ecological restoration.

Residents pledged support for peace and environmental protection, signing the “Together Campaign” declaration and affirming that peace begins with everyday action.

Interfaith Unity: New Religious Alliance Office in Jinhae

The HWPL Global 3 Branch also held an opening ceremony for a new Interfaith Alliance Office at Sambo Jeongsa Temple in Jinhae. Monk Sambo, who had previously signed an MOU with HWPL, expressed joy in opening a space where “all religions can become one.”

“Through this space, we will create dialogue, cooperation, and peace among all faiths.”

One Nation, One Heart

Whether through a peace concert in a temple, a language class for multicultural families, or a tree planted beside a river, HWPL’s “Together” campaign is proving that peace starts close to home — with empathy, inclusion, and cooperation.

As the campaign continues to expand, it offers a blueprint for civic peacebuilding — one that can be replicated across communities and continents.

Because when people come together, peace follows.

Source: https://vo.la/rviXhX