The Cheongju Branch of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) held a “Welcome Day” gathering that day in the seminar room on the second floor of the Deokbeol Nanum Center, inviting local citizens to take part. The event was organized to introduce IWPG’s activities, share the meaning of peace education with citizens, and explore together practical ways to put peace into practice in everyday life.

Where Does Peace Begin?

The event began with a discussion about IWPG and peace education.

Participants viewed peace not as a grand issue that belongs only in international affairs, but as a value that can be created starting with individuals and local communities. They discussed how understanding differences, communicating with one another, and reducing conflict are also part of the process of building peace.

Particular attention was given to the role of peace education. Participants learned that it goes beyond simply teaching that “peace is important” and instead encourages people to consider attitudes and practical ways to practice peace in their everyday lives.

Lee Jeong-im, one of the participants, said, “It really resonated with me that peace is not limited to grand issues of international politics, but is also a process of understanding and communicating with one another in our everyday lives and local communities.”

She added, “At a time when conflict and disconnection are becoming more serious, I realized that peace education is not simply a campaign, but an essential form of education that our society needs.”

Putting “My Own Peace” on a Traditional Fan

The event also included an interactive program that allowed citizens to participate directly.

During the second part of the event, participants took part in a “Make Your Own Peace Fan” activity. They expressed their own messages of peace on traditional Korean fans, taking time to reflect on what peace means to them personally.

Rather than simply thinking about or hearing the word “peace,” participants created messages in their own words and through their own expressions. The activity provided an opportunity to view peace as a value that is closer to everyday life.

Kim Young-ae, another participant, said, “Through making a peace fan, I realized that peace is not an abstract slogan, but something we can put into practice through concrete actions starting today.”

She added, “I hope opportunities like this will continue so that more citizens can naturally encounter and understand the meaning of peace.”

As participants added their own messages to the fans, they naturally began to consider the question, “What kind of peace can I practice?”

The message was that peace does not necessarily require grand actions. It can begin with listening to others, respecting differences, and choosing dialogue when faced with conflict.

A Small Change Beginning in Cheongju

The Welcome Day was also meaningful as an opportunity for citizens to learn about IWPG’s activities and reflect on the meaning of peace for themselves.

Song Geun-hee, Manager of the IWPG Cheongju Branch, said, “I hope this Welcome Day gave participants an opportunity to feel that peace begins with each of us and that it is close to our everyday lives.”

She added, “The IWPG Cheongju Branch will introduce systematic programs that connect citizens with various peace events and volunteer activities, and we will continue working to establish a culture of peace within the local community.”