More than 60,000 visitors have attended the '2026 National Heritage Media Art Cheorwon Labor Party Office' exhibition, which features light and video themed around peace, set against the backdrop of the scars of division and war.
According to Cheorwon County, the exhibition, which opened on September 11, surpassed 60,000 visitors during the Chuseok holiday. The event, themed 'Peace Rising,' will continue until October 11 at the Labor Party Office and Cheorwon Historical and Cultural Park.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is 'Pro Pace: For Peace' by media artist Yann Nguema. This work, which is being showcased for the first time in South Korea, projects light and images onto the exterior walls of the Labor Party Office, conveying messages of peace and healing that reflect the history and characteristics of the space.
The Labor Party Office, located in Gwanjeon-ri, Cheorwon-eup, is a three-story building constructed in 1946. It was used as the Labor Party headquarters in the North Korean-controlled area. The building suffered significant damage during the Korean War, leaving behind its exterior walls and stairwell, with bullet and shell marks visible throughout, showcasing the impact of war. It was registered as a national cultural heritage site on May 31, 2002.
This event combines video and performance art in this historical location. In addition to projections on the Labor Party Office's exterior, the exhibition features media content that responds to visitor movements, augmented reality (AR) experiences, and light sculptures. A cultural guide program is also available to help visitors explore the history of the national heritage and the artworks.
The county reported that many visitors, including families returning home for the Chuseok holiday, have continued to visit. The '2026 DMZ Peace Festa,' held on September 26-27 at the Labor Party Office, Cheorwon Historical and Cultural Park, and Soisan, also attracted foreign visitors.
The festival featured performances by singer IT'S, the Cheorwon Arts Group, and the Cheorwon Disabled Arts Group, along with busking performances. Attendees enjoyed daytime performances and trekking, followed by nighttime media art displays. Some participants camped overnight at Cheorwon Historical and Cultural Park to appreciate the artworks.
In October, over 30 programs, including performances and media art, are scheduled to continue. Admission is free, with the venue closed on Tuesdays. Detailed performance schedules can be found on the official website.
A Cheorwon County official stated, “We will do our best to convey the message of peace through diverse performances during the remaining period.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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