Heading Towards Peace, Gyeonggi Province Takes the Lead

Seventy years after the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, the Armistice Agreement document, held by the Neutral Nations Supe...

Seventy years after the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, the Armistice Agreement document, held by the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, has found its home in Gyeonggi Province. On July 19, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim participated in the "Armistice Agreement Document Transfer Ceremony" at Camp Greaves in Paju City. During the event, he received the original copy of the Armistice Agreement document from Major General Ivo Burgener, Head of the Swiss Delegation to the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC).

Governor Kim expressed his gratification, stating, "It is a meaningful day for Gyeonggi Province to receive a copy of the Armistice Agreement from the NNSC, especially from the Swiss Delegation, who have kept it in their possession since the signing of the agreement… With this document, Gyeonggi Province becomes the only institution with the English version of the text and maps. Displaying it to the public will provide an excellent opportunity for people to learn valuable lessons from history."

He further emphasized, "Through today's event, we can reflect once again on the tragedies of the war that afflicted us long ago and remember the sacrifices made for freedom and democracy. I hope this becomes a significant moment for us to reaffirm our commitment to a greater peace in the future… As a microcosm of South Korea, Gyeonggi Province will strive to contribute to the path of peace. In the context of inter-Korean relations, we will take the lead in creating a path towards peace centered on strong security."

Major General Ivo Burgener, Head of the Swiss Delegation to the NNSC, said, "We did not hesitate to provide this copy of the Armistice Agreement document in order to enhance the value of the newly opened exhibition hall (Camp Greaves Exhibition Hall)… I hope it becomes a meaningful gift for everyone who desires peace and stability."

The Armistice Agreement document received by Gyeonggi Province is a duplicate copy made by the NNSC immediately after the signing of the agreement to enable the examination of its content. It consists of the text of the agreement and maps. As South Korea did not participate in the Armistice Agreement signing, the original document is only in possession of the United States, China, and North Korea. However, the duplicate copy has been preserved by the NNSC for an extended period and therefore holds significant historical value.

The Armistice Agreement describes the purpose of the agreement, the military demarcation line and the demilitarized zone, specific measures of the armistice, and actions regarding war prisoners. It bears the signatures of Kim Il-sung, Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, Peng Dehuai, Commander of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, and General Mark Wayne Clark, Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command.

The Swiss Delegation to the NNSC has actively participated in the development of northern Gyeonggi Province, donating various exhibition materials to the Camp Greaves Exhibition Hall. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the armistice, the delegation offered to lend the Armistice Agreement document to the province.

Following the ceremony, the Armistice Agreement document will be securely stored within Camp Greaves, and the English version will be displayed at Gallery Greaves. The exhibition is titled "Three Lines," referring to the three lines that divided South and North Korea through the armistice: the military demarcation line, the northern boundary line, and the southern boundary line. After the event, it will be open to the public immediately, and visitors can enjoy free admission by riding the Peace Gondola at Imjingak in Paju City.

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice with various events, including the "DMZ OPEN Festival," which began with the Peace Walk event on May 20. Through to November, the province will host diverse activities such as performances and exhibitions as well as academic and sports events aimed at promoting the ecological, peaceful, and historical value of the Korean Demilitarized Zone.