Yeongju City Hosts 'National Unification Gyeongsangbuk-do Conference'... 56 Honored for Contributions to Unification Culture

Over 600 Provincial Residents Gather at Punggi Ginseng Festival Venue to Reaffirm Commitment to Unification

Yeongju City announced on the 22nd that it held the '2025 National Unification Gyeongsangbuk-do Conference' and the '56th Korean National Unification Cultural Festival Awards Ceremony' on the main stage of the Punggi Ginseng Festival at the Namwoncheon area in Punggi-eup on October 22.

The event was co-hosted and organized by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Yeongju City, the National Unification Gyeongsangbuk-do Council, and the National Unification Yeongju City Council. More than 600 people attended, including members from 19 city and county councils in the province and Yeongju citizens. Participants reflected on the 44-year history of the national unification movement and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

This event was held in conjunction with the '2025 Gyeongbuk Yeongju Punggi Ginseng Festival' and the 'Yeongju Market Day Agricultural Specialty Festival,' allowing citizens and tourists to participate together, thereby further promoting a sense of unity and consensus on unification within the region.

Prior to the main event, a special performance by the Pyongyang Art Troupe drew attention as a pre-ceremony event, followed by the opening ceremony, national pledge, recitation of members’ creed and resolution, congratulatory and welcome speeches, and other proceedings.

On this day, commendations were awarded to 56 individuals who contributed to the spread of unification culture and the development of the local community. The awardees included: three Minister’s Commendations, twelve Governor’s Commendations, six Mintongjang Certificates, eight Central Chairman’s Commendations, three National Assembly Member’s Commendations, two Yeongju Mayor’s Commendations, two Gyeongbuk Superintendent of Education Certificates, three Provincial Chairman’s Certificates, and seventeen Provincial Chairman’s Commendations.

The Yeongdeok County Council was selected as the next host, and the conference concluded with all participants singing "Our Wish" together.

Lee Jaechang, President of the National Unification Yeongju City Council, stated, "It was a meaningful time for the residents of the province to come together as one and reaffirm the value of unification," adding, "The council will continue to support so that the proposals and aspirations gathered on site can be translated into practical initiatives in the region."

Yu Jeonggeun, acting Mayor of Yeongju, emphasized, "By holding the conference during the Punggi Ginseng Festival, we created an opportunity for citizens and tourists to come together," and added, "I hope this event will not only help spread the culture of unification but also contribute to revitalizing the local economy."

The National Unification Council continues to lead region-centered unification efforts by promoting a variety of initiatives, including strengthening unification capabilities among youth, nurturing unification leaders among young people and university students, fostering unification culture awareness projects, and supporting programs for understanding North Korea and assisting North Korean defectors.

Participants of the '2025 National Unification Gyeongbuk Conference and Korean National Unification Cultural Festival' are taking a commemorative photo.

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