H.E. Un-chan Chung opens the Korean Dream Hangang Festa 2025
As part of the blog series for the International Day of Peace 2025, we have been exploring how this year’s theme, “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals,” can be lived out in real and practical ways. Today, we turn to an issue close to our hearts at the Global Peace Foundation (GPF): the Korean Dream—a vision that not only seeks peace on the Korean Peninsula but also offers lessons and hope for global peacebuilding.
The Korean Dream, articulated by Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder of GPF, is rooted in Korea’s shared heritage and moral ideals. At its heart, it embodies Hongik Ingan, a Korean ethos meaning “to live for the greater benefit of humanity.” More than just a call for reunification, the Korean Dream seeks to heal division, restore families, and inspire a society where prosperity is shared and peace is sustained. It encourages individuals and communities to embrace responsibility, service, and moral integrity, forming the foundation of lasting peace.
Since its inception, GPF has been active in expanding the vision of the Korean Dream. Through different initiatives, forums, and grassroots campaigns, many people from all over the world have been engaged in a unified Korea. The Korean Dream is not an individual dream but is a collective one. The people supporting the Korean Dream see it as a model for global peacebuilding and believe that peace on the Korean Peninsula is not only a local matter but an inspiration for the world.
Yeonsun, a Korean youth who supports the Korean Dream, reflects that if North and South Korea can reunify, other communities can be inspired. It shows that we are one family, bound by love, friendship, and human dignity. Like her, many young visionaries around the world believe that Korean reunification serves to inspire others and that the matter is urgent for the restoration of human rights.
Hailey, another advocate for One Korea, spotlighted the human rights violations in North Korea, saying, “People in North Korea are suffering—they do not have freedom or basic human needs met. We all deserve freedom and the ability to care for our families. This is why reunification should matter to everyone, not just Koreans.” She urges international support and action for the cause.
The support for the Korean Dream is not limited to Korea, but it spans from Japan to the USA and from India to Kenya. The recent International Forum on One Korea 2025, commemorating 80 years of Korean Liberation Day, held in Korea, which saw 700 participants from 20 countries, is an example of the growing support for the dream. The event was a culmination of the years of active and consistent efforts for the reunification of Korea, turning ideals into action.
The History Children’s Choir performs at the Korean Dream Hangang Festa 2025
The Korean Dream aligns seamlessly with this year’s International Day of Peace theme, “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals.” It reminds us that lasting peace requires intentional, value-driven action. Initiatives for Korean reunification offer a model for grassroots actions with a shared vision for humanity. Rooted in reconciliation, justice, and social cohesion, they inspire communities worldwide.
Despite the 80 years of division, the growing support for the Korean Dream showcases the relentless efforts for peace. Keeping a positive mindset coupled with faith and continuous efforts in the midst of growing conflicts worldwide demonstrates the unwavering power of faith and trust in peace. The Korean Dream and its initiatives provide a blueprint for peacebuilding globally.
Peace anywhere benefits humanity everywhere. On this International Day of Peace, let us honor the vision of the Korean Dream and take steps toward peace in our own lives. Despite the challenges, let’s engage in practices for peace within ourselves and in our communities. Here are five small actions to cultivate peace in everyday lives.
- Listen deeply to others.
- Serve your community through small, meaningful acts.
- Express gratitude and acknowledge the contributions of those around you.
- Resolve conflicts constructively and practice patience.
- Care for your own well-being to maintain balance and clarity.
Through these everyday choices, we create ripple effects that transform families, communities, and societies. As the people involved in the Korean Dream remind us, peace starts with us, with faith, determination, and persistence paired with one action at a time.
Let us make this International Day of Peace not just a day of reflection, but a day of intentional action, building a more united, just, and compassionate world for all.
