A Historic First Journey of the "Kind Seogu Peace Train"
Connecting Generations and Honoring the Spirit of Liberation and Democratization
Aboard the Moving Peace Classroom:
Reflecting on Peace and Unification with Residents of All Ages
On the morning of August 22, Gwangju Seogu (District Mayor Kim Ikang) announced that the 'Kind Seogu Peace Train,' carrying 328 residents, departed from Hyocheon Station at 6:32 a.m. and arrived at Imjingak Station in Paju after a journey of about five hours, successfully completing its historic first run.
On the 22nd, before the first operation of the 'Kind Seogu Peace Train' connecting May 18 and August 15, 328 participants flew paper airplanes carrying wishes for peace on a large Korean Peninsula flag and took a commemorative photo. Provided by Seogu, Gwangju
This special train, organized to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation, serves as a symbolic connection between the history and spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement and the August 15 Liberation.
Before departure, a send-off ceremony was held at the Hyocheon Station plaza under the theme "80th Anniversary of Liberation: Carrying Peace Toward Unification," where participants launched paper airplanes carrying wishes for peace and unification on a large Korean Peninsula flag.
Inside the train, a "Moving Peace Classroom" was created. Activities included a "Memory Musical" featuring stories of the August 15 Liberation, May 18 Gimbap, and the youth of 2025, a peace melody performance with a guitar band, a special lecture on unification, and happiness education, all designed to reflect on the meaning of peace and unification.
Additional interactive programs, such as "You Quiz" with nostalgic snacks and a live radio broadcast, added to the enjoyment of the journey. Upon arriving at Imjingak, participants visited sites in the Demilitarized Zone, including the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory, where they confronted the reality of division and reflected on the value of peace.
Interest in this train was especially high, with all seats booked immediately after registration opened in July. The event was made even more meaningful by the participation of people from a wide range of age groups.
One participant said, "Riding the Peace Train with my parents was a precious experience that allowed me to feel both the pain and hope of our times," and added, "For families participating with elementary school children, it was a living history lesson for the kids and a special journey dreaming of peace for the whole family."
Seogu District Mayor Kim Ikang emphasized, "Today's journey with residents, marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation, is a step in carrying on the spirit of May 18 and a promise toward peace on the Korean Peninsula. As a kind city, Seogu will continue its journey of hope by practicing the values of peace and harmony through sharing and solidarity in everyday life."
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