The 8th Commemorative Ceremony for Saemaul Day (the 48th Anniversary of Saemaul Undong), sponsored by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and hosted by Korea Saemaul Undong Center (KSC), was held on April 20 at Sejong Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Korea.

The ceremony was attended by more than four hundred distinguished guests, including foreign emissaries in Seoul, and former and current Saemaul Undong leaders. In particular, those who contributed to the development of Saemaul Undong for years in various field were presented with either the Saemaul insignia and badges or the Ministry of the Interior citations.

Starting with opening performance by percussion band “Deulsori”, proceedings of the ceremony included presentation of the Saemaul Award and the Ministry of the Interior Award, commemorative remarks by President of KSC, congratulatory remarks by Minister of the Interior and Safety, congratulatory remarks by Ambassador of Honduras to Korea, singing of the Saemaul Song, commemorative photograph, and rice cake-cutting ceremony. 

President Chung, Sung Heon of KSC said “We are now in a crisis. As life on Earth is on the verge of annihilation, the social cohesion of society is weakening, communities are collapsing, and our people are facing grave eocomic difficulties. The crisis we face is multifaceted and systemic.” He added that “we must overcome the old confrontational attitudes and dichotomous thinking prevalent in our society. Let us consider, study, and purse new means of building a community of life, peace, and respect.”

Ambassador Virgilio PAREDES TRAPERO of Honduras to Korea said “With the certainty that Saemaul Undong will make profound transformations in benefit of the citizens of Honduras. I express the appreciation of my country for the continuous support of the government and people of the Republic of Korea with the hope that our nations will continue to grow towards the construction of a better world for the generations to come.”