DMZ 평화 걷기: 분단의 현장에서 평화를 논하다
Global experts have gathered in South Korea to discuss the ways to achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
Before tomorrow's official forum,... they visited the Demilitarized Zone and the Joint Security Area today.
Our Kan Hyeong-woo tells us their takes on the peace process in Korea.
Often known as a living relic of the Korean War, the DMZ is a place that draws fascination and solemnity. And a group of global experts on Wednesday got to see one of the most elusive sights at the inter-Korean border: a North Korean soldier.
They were visiting the Demilitarized Zone and the JSA... ahead of Thursday's global forum on bringing peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
"Much progress has been made between the two Koreas since last year. But it's crucial for us to spread the importance of the 'peace economy' internationally. To do that, we need to deliver our message through the global network and make sure we have a consensus with the world."
Although inter-Korean talks are stalled,... some experts say perseverance is key in peace building process.
"Of course, this has been a very long process. And I think that we have to recognize that it would take a long time for this to happen. But that sort of trust building measures the current government is still engaging in… I do believe it's very, very important."
Conversely, other experts say it's time for two Koreas to resume talks..
"There are many, many countries represented by the group here today. So I hope it can be a combined effort. I think Seoul and Washington will have to work very closely together. But we need to get talks started. You know, those rooms over there that we visit, they are actually there to have talks. Whether the talks are in Panmunjeom or Pyeongyang or in Seoul or wherever they would be, they need to start."
The group visited a number of other landmark places within the DMZ... including the Freedom House and the Peace House as well as the blue bridge where the two leaders of Seoul and Pyeongyang met last year.
"Ahead of the global forum on the Korean peace economy,... experts from around the world visited the line that divides the Peninsula. They saw how close, yet how far apart, the two Koreas are. Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News."
