A Cultural Transformation at Imjingak: Exhibition 'Breath of Peace, Space of Memory'

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Comments 0 Views 20 Date 2026-10-13 18:01

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[Reporter: Choi Jeong-im]

The entrance to the Cultural Platform of the Imjingak Civil Defense Shelter, where the exhibition 'Breath of Peace, Space of Memory' is held.

A welcomed change has begun, transforming the cold shelters once used as emergency refuges into warm spaces filled with culture and art. This initiative marks the first step in returning military and security facilities to the public, paving the way for their use in peacetime. The exhibition 'Breath of Peace, Space of Memory,' created through the collaboration of Paju City and the Paju Cultural Foundation, invites visitors to explore the story of how a place of division and tension has become a foundation of hope and art.

Art Beyond the Iron Door: From Paintings to Documentaries and Installations

Upon entering the underground exhibition space through the heavy iron door of the civil defense shelter, visitors are confronted with the central question of the exhibition: 'Does Peace Stay?' This exhibition transcends the pain of war and division, exploring the true meaning of peace through diverse visual arts. Throughout the space, carefully hung paintings and photographs capture traces of history and the daily lives of those who lived through it. From pop art featuring hero characters in front of barbed wire to a calligraphy piece filling an entire wall titled 'Breath of Peace, Space of Memory,' the witty and sensory presentations captivate attention.

The exhibition path leads visitors past side artworks towards the central area and screening zone. The central floor showcases installations of photographs and texts conveying messages of remembrance, alongside intricate ceramic objects that invite quiet contemplation. Documentary videos and video essays documenting the history of division and the traces of life further enrich the visitor experience, as various artistic media infuse warmth of hope into the previously dark underground space.

A Relay Exhibition Comprising Three Parts: A Cultural Hub of Peace Created by Local Artists and Youth

This project holds special significance as it is the result of collaboration among local artists, art organizations, and youth. Co-hosted by the Imagination Youth Union (Imagination Lab) and Monthly Gilbut, and supported by Paju City and the Paju Cultural Foundation, it exemplifies a model of public-private partnership, successfully transforming a somewhat rigid security asset into a friendly cultural and artistic stage.

The opening exhibition, running until November 30, is structured in three parts, delivering a dense narrative. The first part, 'Path of Memory,' runs from September 23 to October 12, reconstructing the painful scars of war and division through an artistic lens. The second part, 'Survival and Daily Life,' showcases original contemporary art pieces centered on the themes of 'shelter' and 'safety' from October 13 to November 11. Finally, the third part, 'Future of Peace,' will fill the exhibition space with positive stories about tomorrow from November 12 to November 30.

As the once-closed underground shelter transforms into a symbolic cultural hub accessible to the public, it is expected to offer visitors to Imjingak a unique experience. The experience of viewing peace through the medium of art in a place filled with tension will leave a special resonance for each visitor. This site, reborn as a cultural resting place from a security venue, is hoped to become a new landmark conveying the values of coexistence and culture, harmonizing with the changing seasons.

Exploring the Value of Peace at Imjingak, Where History and Art Breathe

The opening exhibition 'Breath of Peace, Space of Memory' at the Imjingak Civil Defense Shelter Cultural Platform will continue to welcome visitors until November 30. Why not experience the gentle breath of art in this unique underground gallery, where paintings, photographs, installations, and videos come together? This autumn, visit Imjingak with your loved ones to reflect on historical memories and encounter messages of peace and coexistence.

Exhibition Details:

• Venue: Imjingak Civil Defense Facility (148-73 Imjingak-ro, Mun-san-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do)

• Duration: September 23, 2026 (Wednesday) – November 30, 2026 (Monday)

- Part 1: 'Path of Memory' from September 23 to October 12

- Part 2: 'Survival and Daily Life' from October 13 to November 11

- Part 3: 'Future of Peace' from November 12 to November 30

• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Admission: Free