Pre-registration only : DMZ Open Festival 2024 (~Nov 16)

A Journey of Peace and Culture

The DMZ Open Festival 2024 offers a unique blend of peace, ecology, and culture in the historic setting of Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Since its inception in 2019, this festival has consistently delivered a powerful message of peace through various cultural, artistic, and academic events. In 2024, the festival continues its mission with an exciting lineup of programs, fostering global understanding and cooperation.

♬ Key Programs (September and October)

• Exhibition: “DMZ Open Exhibition: Passage” (August 30 - November 16) This exhibition showcases the unique ecosystem that has flourished in the DMZ, untouched by human interference for decades. It artistically explores the possibility of human-nature coexistence, featuring endangered species, the process of ecological restoration, and the vision for a harmonious future between humanity and nature. The exhibit is an artistic tribute to the DMZ’s ecological importance and its symbolic message of peace and reconciliation.
• International Music Festival: DMZ Open International Music Festival (November 9 - November 16) This international music festival brings together musicians from across the globe to convey messages of peace and unity through music. It celebrates cross-border artistic exchanges, using the DMZ as a symbol to emphasize the power of music in promoting peace and cooperation.
• Forum: DMZ Eco Peace Forum (November 3 - November 6) The forum gathers experts in ecology and peace studies to discuss sustainable ecological preservation in the DMZ and the broader vision of peace for the Korean Peninsula. Participants will explore how the DMZ can transform from a militarized zone to a place symbolizing peace and nature’s coexistence.
  • Topic: Sustainable visions for DMZ’s ecology and peace
  • Date: November 3 - November 6, 2024
  • Location: Near the DMZ in Gyeonggi Province (exact locations to be announced)
• Hackathon: DMZ Open Hackathon (August 21 - September 23) A creative competition aimed at generating innovative solutions for peace and sustainability in the DMZ. Participants, both local and international, will form teams to tackle challenges related to the DMZ's future. Mentorship from experts will help develop ideas into actionable projects, with the best proposals to be recognized at the end of the event.
  • Theme: Creative solutions for peace and sustainable development in the DMZ
  • Format: Online and offline, with global participants
  • Outcome: Final presentations and recognition for outstanding ideas

Sports:

• DMZ Peace Walk (October 5): Open to all ages, this walking event allows participants to experience the DMZ firsthand while reflecting on peace.
• DMZ Peace Marathon (October 6): A marathon set against the stunning backdrop of the DMZ’s natural landscape, highlighting both the beauty of the area and the enduring hope for peace.

♬ How to Participate

• Registration: All events are pre-registration only, available through the DMZ Open Festival official website.
• Participant Limitations: Due to the unique nature of the DMZ, space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

---

Why the DMZ Open Festival?

The DMZ Open Festival is more than a cultural event; it’s a platform for healing the wounds of the past and fostering hope for the future. Here’s why it matters:

• Promoting Peace: The festival seeks to go beyond the DMZ’s role as a symbol of division, offering a message of peace and harmony to the world.
• Highlighting Ecological Value: The DMZ, untouched by human interference for over half a century, has become a unique ecological treasure. The festival emphasizes the importance of preserving this natural wonder and promoting ecological awareness.
• Cultural Exchange: With a wide range of programs—from music to forums—the festival fosters cultural and social exchange, helping people from different backgrounds understand the significance of the DMZ.

The DMZ Open Festival is an invitation to witness how nature and peace can flourish together, transforming a once-divided region into a symbol of hope and coexistence. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly special!