In a meaningful initiative undertaken under the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, H.E Ms. Sripriya Ranganathan, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, and H.E Mr. Moon Seok-Jin, Mayor of Soedaemun District, Seoul jointly inaugurated the Korea-India Peace Park on June 3, 2019. 

This peace park has been established as part of the historic Independence Park, a popular Seoul landmark, and encompasses a green area in which 150 trees have been planted in honour of the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma. A pine tree, symbolizing longevity and peace and 149 Mugunghwa plants, which is not only the national flower of Korea but also symbolizes unity and strength, were planted by the dignitaries on the occasion. A commemorative plaque inscribed with the Mahatma’s immortal sentiment that ‘The earth, the air, the land and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but a loan from our children. So we have to hand over to them at least as it was handed over to us.” was also unveiled.

In her brief remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Ranganathan recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on environment conservation and the importance of living in harmony with nature. She noted that Mahatma’s inspirational vision and leadership by example had left a mark on environmental activism across the world, even at a time when sustainable development had not acquired the recognition and support that it has today. Ambassador alluded to the remarkable achievements of the Republic of Korea in the area of green growth and afforestation due to progressive government policies and popular support which have made it a benchmark for countries across the world. Being established in the year of the Mahatma’s 150th birth anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the Sam-il Independence movement, the Korea-India Peace Park will stand tall as a symbol of strong and historic ties between the two countries and highlight their shared values of preserving, protecting and respecting the environment. 

Mayor of Soedaemun District noted that the Park is a joint effort towards the goal of conservation of environment and the planet and applauded the tree plantation initiative as a meaningful one for both Seodaemun district and for the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The Mayor highlighted the special relationship enjoyed by Soedaemun District with the Embassy of India, Seoul and expressed the confidence that this would continue. He referred to the partnership in successfully organising the SARANG – Festival of India in Korea in 2018 at Seodaemun district, which enhanced cultural cooperation between two countries and reiterated his full support for SARANG 2019 which is scheduled to be held in October 2019. 

The Korea- India Peace Park will be maintained as an attractive green space that will enrich the lives of the people of Seoul.