April ! Looking forward MANNAM the 4th Peace Talk !!!

Hello, everyone. Notice for this month's schedule is late a little bit. Finally, happy to inform you that the 4th peace talk will be held!
Last Sunday, on 21st, April, there was an annual walk-a-ton, '10 Km in Their Shoes' and this year was for peace awareness, remembering countries and people who exprienced war. MANNAM Busan North also joined the walk, all of staffs were preparing for it.

First, two friends we contacted as speakers three weeks ago and two weeks ago, but one canceled the meeting where we had to talk about program and the theme and delayed it because of his study, and the other didn't make sure he could do it. Then, last week, we focused on preaparing to go Seoul.

But, one of our members who has been with The PEACE concert since the 1st one, Hugo said he can be a speaker this month. Then, I will go meeing soon for the theme and programs!

So, the schedule is going to be uploaded sooooon! :) Don't be disappointed and please wait a little !

[MANNAM Volunteer Association] Why are they so kind to foreigners in Korea? : Another Definition of Peace

  Last year, MANNAM Volunteer Association joined WPI (World Peace Initiative) movement, and one of the campaigns was to ask people 'what do you think peace is?' then asked each of people to write their definition on a piece of paper on which just the phrase 'Peace is' was written.

  At that time, I wrote "Peace is what people hope it, but what people do not believe possible." I had been facing many skeptical and cynical views to our campaign so, at the first time when I got the paper, I wrote like above. And I met many people from all over the world and saw what they wrote.

  One day, a sweet girl who volunteers as a main translator in Busan North branch, Anna, talked about her view and her definition. And I was impressed and even surprised. From then, I don't care about the skeptical views (now I think I learned to tolerate them and understand there are different views among people) and feel proud of myself and MANNAM.

  Her definition of peace was 'FAMILY.' She was also '외국인 (a foreigner)' when she did study in Canada over 5 years for the graduate school. Fragile, being a stranger, she felt many things. There were many difficulties living as a foreigner in a new culture, new society, and with new people. When she got in troubles, she came up with her family and really missed family. In this case, she thought that if she made friends who are like her family members who warmly accept, tolerate her as she is, her feeling can get better. That's why she supports MANNAM and MANNAM's activities, she said.

  First time when some people try talk to you with kindness, you may shrink into yourself wondering why they are kind to you. However, if you experience them, and after founding a basic trust, they can be your friends. But, when you find that they are really interested in you and ready to accept and tolerate you beyond just kindness, and superficial relationships, you can open your heart more and you guys teach each other and learn from each other. Finally you will laugh with them, sad with them, empathize with them, like a family.
  Then, peace can be established among people, because we became the family, though there is no biological relatedness.

  That was her explanation and what she imagined and dreamed in MANNAM Volunteer Association. A real international family in this global village, as numerous news, advertisements, policies, education systems have been saying, can be truly made? I know It's difficult but disagree that's impossible!


  I often call MANNAM friends '엄마(Mom), 이모(Aunt), 언니(sister), 오빠(brother), 동생(younger brother/sister), 할아버지(Grandfather).' First it was just joke, but now I use them I feel these days they are my families! And believe that in the MANNAM family, we can make it come true, World Peace !!!

[Zoom In Other Branches: Gang-won, Korea] Interesting Articles and Information about Korean Culture!

여러분, 안녕하세요 (An-nyeong-ha-se-yo) ?

Korean people use that phrase when greeting each other, like 'how are you?' 

A word 'An-nyeong,' which is combination of two characters, '安' and '寧,' means health of body as well as peace of mind. All people who live in or visited Korea have heard that phrase at least once. But, do you know that phrase is related to 'war'?

These days, I enjoy reading the blog of Gang-won branch and sometimes the articles about Korean vocabularies and culture make me surprised because I didn't know or think of it before. And, the meaning of Korean greeting was also new to me. 

In fact, these Koran greetings are related to war. In the past, there were so many wars in Korea that it was not easy for people to spend every day peacefully or safely. Nobody knew what would happen in the next minute. People might have to unexpectedly leave their homes, suddenly guard against the enemy, or unfortunately lose their lives. Therefore, when Korean people spent a night and got up the next morning, the first greeting they ask was “An-nyeong-ha-se-yo?” — “Have you spent a peaceful or safe night?” 

-From 'Let’s Make An “An-nyeong-han (Peaceful)” World Together!' Retrieved from mannamgw.blogspot.com

Isn't it amazing? There are many articles that explain the meaning of Korean expressions and interesting stories related to Korean culture. I am sure that if you are interested in Korean language and culture, you will definitely love them!!! It provides us with a fresh perspective to see the culture of Korea :) Get fresh information here: mannamgw.blogspot.com

[MANNAM International Busan North] Volunteer Activities: Share Your Warm Heart!

How do you think about VOLUNTEERING? 
I learned one thing in MANNAM, volunteering is easy and it starts from me first. 

Last week, two members of MANNAM Busan North visited again one of the houses where we had visited in November in order to deliver briquets. There was an old lady who lives alone. She is 104 years old this year. The members presented some foods. She was happy to see us and said that what she really wanted is not other foods or financial aids but friends that chat with her. 

Sometimes, volunteer activities can make you feel difficult because it requires you put your energy - your financial aid, time, physical labor, etc. - and even it can make you think, 'Am I a worker? Why am I doing this? Oooh, feeling sick of it.' (Of course, If you feel like it, I recommend you stop taking part in volunteering activities and take a rest! There can't be force) However, when I came up with the result of my volunteering, and after I considered people whom I help as my friends, it was easier than before. Above all, when I found there were more people to work together, it was not difficult one more, rather it was fun and amazing moment!

MANNAM Busan North branch Shared Our Warm Heart with Delivering Briquette(Nov 17th, 2012) and Making Kimchi (Dec 12th, 2012)!!! More pictures on www.facebook.com/mannam.busan.north

MANNAM Busan North branch has been doing volunteer activities for elders who live alone, and the members are volunteering as teachers and assistants in Korean classes, and some members are helping our programs as staffs who take videos and pictures. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, we are going to Minju Park and there is a Soup Kitchen. And we are planning to do volunteer activities in a farming community this summer. And as I said first, we want to visit them periodically and have a meaningful time with them! It will be definitely nice and meaningful time to deliver lunch boxes of love, chat with themselves, and massage them. 

And if you have any good idea to do volunteering activities, please contact to us! Please remember that MANNAM is run and made by you, your imagine, your energy, and your participation! 

If you have any good idea to help others, or if you know the place or people who need our help, please contact to us: mannam.busan.north@gmail.com

Let's Make the Culture of Peace Together!!! After the 3rd MANNAM The PEACE talk concert

Let's Make the Culture of Peace Together!!!

-After the 3rd talk

In MANNAM Volunteer Association, you can meet many friends who are different from you-different language, different culture, different political views, different religion, different skin color, etc.-and it will be part of life to understand 'difference,' working together as volunteers. On 23rd, March, at Learning Square, we had the 3rd <더 PEACE> 

I, as the director of <더 PEACE> talk concert, really wanted to deliver my heart, how much I grew, what I feel, and why I keep doing this. On this 3rd talk concert, we introduced new style to our part 1, using subtitle and there was no translator. The speech was given in Korean language with English subtitle. 

'Culture of Violence' was the 3rd theme. It was quite difficult to deal with because there are variety views about violence. My focus of the presentation on the overall culture, rather it means our conversation/language, tradition, laws, norms, which we have in life as the way of life. And, what I wanted to say was that we can change our culture breeding violence as changing the language and behavior with positive and bright energy. 

Actually, preparing this, and during the speech, I tried to put my heart into my voice,  hoping more people to join this campaign for peace, not only friends who came there but also others who would watch or hear from news, youtube, facebook, and blogs. 

In part 2, we lerned Non-Violent Conversation which is one of projects to build non-violent culture. The guests were grouped into 4, then shared the current feeling and guessed friends' need. And all panels made a huge circle then discussed on the question raised during the presentation. 

Actually, this month, I volunteered as a speaker to ask people to help me, help people who are in war and hope peace with their whole heart, and help MANNAM Volunteer Association. I also ask you, who is reading this article, to help me, help them, and help us. Here is the part of my speech, in the conclusion part. Wish that you can feel our heart. 

‘더 피스’를 처음 시작할 때, 저는 멋져 보이려고 시작한 것이 아닙니다. 그리고 저 혼자 만의 생각 도 아닙니다. 먼저 여기 있는 한 사나이, 최성민 오빠와 Aislin, 엠씨 준 오빠, 그리고 우리 포토그래퍼 선아언니가 각자 어떻게 사람들의 마음을 감동시켜서, 그들이 세계와 평화에 대해 생각하게 만들까? 고민했고, 또 우리가 만남에서 느끼는 것 과 같이, 우리가 피부색, 국적, 종교적 배경을 넘어 각종 경계들을 없애려고 노력하는 것 같이, 사람들이 이렇게 느끼고 노력하도록 할 수 있을까? 고민했습니다.   

지금은 '벌써' 그리고 '아직' 3회입니다. 그리고 어쩌면 아직은 작은 시도로 보일지도 모르지요. 하지만 저는 애초 기획에서 이렇게 생각을 했습니다. 우리 안에서 평화의 문화를 연습하고, 다음으로 이것을 지역 사회와 학교에 알린다면, 이 땅 가운데 사람들이 평화에 관심을 갖고, 귀 기울이고, 주목하고, 전쟁이 끝나기를 소망하며 함께 목소리를 모을 수 있으리라 믿습니다. 

When I first planned to start ‘더 PEACE,’ it’s not for making me popular and famous. And, it’s not my own idea. First, a guy who are here, Seong min Choi, and Aislin, Jun Park, our photographer Sun-A are thinking about how we touch people’s mind and make them think and worry about world and peace. Also, as we feel in our community MANNAM, as we try to break the barriers beyond skin color, nationalities, and religions, how can we make people try to do that? 

Now! 'Already' and 'Still' the 3^rd talk concert. Maybe this looks a very small group and some people think it’s useless. However, I thought first when we started, If we practice culture of peace and love in our community, next we inform this to local communities and schools, then people in society will be interest in making world peace, and they will hear and watch this movement, also they will raise their voice together! 

그런데, 저 혼자 할 수 없습니다. 저를 도와주세요. 함께 아이디어를 모읍시다. 함께 토론하고 걱정하면서 말입니다. 6회까지 이 콘서트가 진행되고 나면 상반기 결산을 하면서 정말 평화 콘서트나 전시회를 가질 계획입니다. 창조적인 아이디어들이 있으시면, 저 사회의 관심 없는 사람들도 동참시킬 수 있는 아이디어들이 있으시면, 말해 주십시오.

However, I cannot make it alone. Help me. Let’s gather your opinions discussing together, worrying together. After the 6^th concert, we are going to hold a bigger peace concert or exhibition. If you have creative ideas to make people who are not interested in take part in this, please tell us!  

여러분의 말 한마디로부터 평화 문화의 창조가 시작됩니다. 여러분의 정신과 사상이 말과 글로 표현되고, 이것이 사회 구성원들의 행동양식으로 이어지면, 이것은 문화가 됩니다. 참으로 오늘 이 곳에 모인 모두가 문화적인 인생이 되어 평화를 함께 만들어가고 이룩하는 주체들이 되기를 바라며, 오늘의 강연을 마치도록 하겠습니다. 감사합니다. 

The creation of peace culture is started from your words. Your mind and thought is expressed as the words, then, if it is shared among members in society, it can form culture. I sincerely hope your life to change our culture and make peace. Thank you for your listening!

The 3rd MANNAM Peace Talk concert, The PEACE #3: Culture of Violence

Hello, everyone.

The Busan North branch of MANNAM International is going to have the 3^rd peace talk concert, <더 PEACE>!

Finally March, and spring comes round! This month, the director of program, Kristen is a speaker. Do you wonder why she started and why MANNAM supported it, <더 PEACE> talk concert? Are you hesitating to involve in the program? Please come and hear at first hand!

*’더 PEACE’ #3. <Culture of Violence>

*When: Mar 23th, Saturday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

*Where: Learning Square Seminar room @ Seomyeon (Seomyeon subway Stn. Exit #1)

*Program*

7:30-7:50  Reception, Share Snack&Tea (There are some snack, juice, coffee and tea)

7:45  Opening

7:50-8:20  Part 1. ‘Listen’ : Speech (Speaker: Kristen Hwang)

8:20-8:30 Q&A

8:35-9:05  Part 2. ‘Share’ : Building Culture of Non-violence through Conversation

9:10  Announcement

9:25  Closing

#Contact: 010.6718.0091 Kristen / mannamthepeace@gmail.com

If you want to join and enjoy the concert, Please confirm ahead of time! :)

On every 4th week, we will have a talk concert, with the title ‘더 Peace’

Every month has a theme related to establish World Peace.

Why don’t you join us ? :) Do not miss it!

*제 3회 <주제: 폭력 문화>

*일시: 3월 23일 토요일 저녁 7:30-9:30

*장소: 서면 러닝 스퀘어 세미나실 (서면 지하철 역 1번 출구)

*프로그램*

7:30-7:50 다과 나누며 자유로운 토크 시간

7:45 개회: 프로그램 소개

7:50-8:20  강연: 황 지민(크리스틴)

8:20-8:30  질의 응답

8:35-9:05  자유 활동: 비폭력 대화를 통한 비폭력 문화 세우기

9:10  활동 발표 및 공유

9:25 폐회: 광고, 발표자 및 스텝 지원 받음

Our Pledgement to End Discrimination: After the 2nd talk concert

The end of this month is already coming again, and there will be the 3rd concert on this Saturday! Ahead of time, I share the summary of promises when we did in the part 2 of last concert. It will be exhibited on the 3rd talk concert, in front of the gate of seminar room!  Hope you reading this blog to come and see, but I upload it for people who cannot come because of the distance or previous appointment.

Our Pledgement to End Discrimination

-MANNAM Busan North <더 PEACE> staffs and participants-

We are seeing there is still discrimination in our society, although UN made Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Today, people are talking about ‘global village’, ‘globalization’, and ‘multiculturalism,’ but how much has it developed their understanding and tolerance for other people different from them? MANNAM International in Busan North held the 2^nd peace talk concert, <더 PEACE> and 35 members from 12 countries found many cases of discrimination in our everyday lives then we discussed how we overcome and end discrimination.
As many charters and declarations which have been made in human history announced, truly all human beings are equal without distinction of race, property, sex, birth or other status. There is only one race in the world: the human race. We are human whose common characteristic is being different. The fact that we are all different cannot be the reason of discrimination but it makes us equal.

We promise as below hoping to be doers to contribute to realization of equality, and to construct the culture of love and peace among our community and society without discrimination.

First, we will learn about others and understand and tolerate enough each other.Second, the barriers of discrimination and prejudice which cause misunderstanding and war will be broken down through communication between us.Third, in our family and school, we will educate family members, friends, and students that we are all equal, but we are just all different, in order to make them think human rights.Fourth, ‘I’ will stop discrimination first.
By putting these promises into action we can achieve human equality in our life and construct the culture of peace. 

MANNAM International Busan North branchMonthly Peace Talk Concert, <더 PEACE>, the 2^nd story, ‘Equality and Discrimination.’ 

1948년 UN의 인권 선언이 있었음에도 불구하고, 아직도 오늘날 우리는 사회에서 차별이 이루어지는 것을 목격하고 있습니다. 지구촌, 세계화, 다문화주의를 말하고 있지만 실제적으로 자신과 다른 상대방에 대한 이해와 관용의 태도는 100년 전보다 얼마나 진일보했을까요? 만남 부산 북부지부 주최의 제 2회 평화 토크 콘서트 <더 PEACE>에서, 세계 12개국의 35명의 회원들은 대화를 통해 도처에 존재하는 차별의 실례들을 확인하였으며, 이를 끝내기 위한 약속을 하였습니다.
역사 속 수많은 헌장과 선언문들이 재차 말해왔듯이, 참으로 모든 인간은 평등하며, 인종이나 소득 수준이나 남녀 노소를 불문하고, 세상의 인종은 오직 한 가지 인종, 사람밖에 없습니다. 우리는 각각 다르다는 공통점을 가진 인간이지, 다르다는 것이 차별에 대한 이유가 될 수 없습니다.
우리는 인간 평등 실현에 기여하는 주체가 되며, 우리의 공동체, 나아가 사회에 차별 없는 문화, 사랑과 평화의 문화를 건설하기 위해 아래와 같이 약속하는 바입니다.

첫째, 우리는 타인에 대해 배움으로써, 서로를 충분히 이해하고 관용하겠습니다.
둘째, 대화를 통해 소통함으로써 오해와 전쟁을 불러 일으키는 차별의 벽은 허물겠습니다.
셋째, 가정과 학교에서 모든 사람이 평등하며, 다만 다 다를 뿐이라는 것을 가족과 친구, 학생들에게 교육함으로써 인권에 대한 의식을 심겠습니다.
넷째, 나 먼저부터라는 생각으로, 차별을 중지하겠습니다.
위와 같은 조항을 실천함을 통해서 우리의 삶 속에서부터 평등의 가치가 실현 될 것이며 나아가 평화의 문화를 건설할 수 있을 것입니다. 

만남 부산 북부지부월간 평화 토크 콘서트 <더 PEACE>, 두 번째 이야기 ‘평등과 차별’

MANNAM Volunteer Association in South Korea 4: World Peace and Independence Festival of Victory

There have been many empires and colonies in the world history from even prehistoric era. Often, a nation’s desire to control other countries made people who had believed in human development through enlightenment. Accordingly, many colonial empires and colonies appeared. One day, I just wondered how many nations have Independence Day. You can check on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_day

One of countries which has Independence Day is Korea!

In Korea, Independence Day is called ‘Light Restoration (光復).’ ‘光’ is Chinese character which means ‘light.’ It is one of the most joyful holidays in Korean history ending the 35year-colonial era. In 光復, ‘light’ means culture as well as national sovereignty controlled by Japanese empire.

In MANNAM’s slogan, you can see ‘light’ on the phrase ‘When Light Meets Light There is Victory’ It means each person who can be a light for the world as volunteering, but also it means ‘culture’ as mentioned above. Accordingly, we believe creating culture is so important and doing many cultural activities and huge events with cultural performances!

MANNAM in South Korea 'World Peace and Independence Festival of Victory' celebrating 65th Independence Day in 2010. A lot of VIPs and ambassadors from 34 countries participated in this national event.

There were a lot of cultural performances and booths about not only Korean traditional culture, but also 23 international culture booths.

The most impressive and special event was laser show, using light and symbolizing Korean Light Restoration day with introducing MANNAM’s slogan.

It was meaningful work to preserve the valuable cultures and stimulate people to think about the past history and give thanks to ancestors.

How do you think of all these events?

 As mentioned before, MANNAM’s slogan includes ‘Light Meets Light,’ if ‘light’ means culture, how about helping us to meet your culture, too?

[Zoom In Other Branches: Seoul, Korea] MANNAM IMPACT

When first MANNAM Busan North branch was planning to make the global campaign/program of world peace, we saw the project of Seoul area on mannamimpact.wordpress.com.

This is a developing program, started by the Mannam International Volunteer Association , in support of The World Peace Initiative. It aims to share and cultivate the richest, most interesting and misunderstood aspects of humanity – our cultures. We hope to play a small role in bridging the gap between this worlds many nations, leading all people, regardless of our vast differences to a united culture of peace, love and respect.

As you see, its purpose is to share and cultivate our cultures. Group members who want to share their culture with people can make a presentation. What's more, it is not just a presentation, it includes the opportunities to experience the culture through eating their foods, learning art activities, and seeing many craft items, etc..

IMPACT consists of cultural exchange, cultural acceptance, and cultural appreciation to make space for co-existence, understanding others truly. And it contributes to establish World Peace among us.

After the 2nd talk concert with the theme 'Equality and Discrimination' all groups which discussed and made the pledge to end discrimination, suggested first 'understanding differences between others' as a solution and the first step to keep human rights and equality.

Acceptance comes from a place of understanding, and understanding from a place of learning… learning comes from a place of interest, and interest is a little portion of love.

The quote is from introduction of Impact program.
How do you think about it? It has one important point. If we do not communicate, and we do not learn about each other, we can never understand others.
That's why the Busan North branch made up mind to communicate with each other to reach 더 PEACE.

How much do you understand yourself, them, and us?

MANNAM's Campaigns for PEACE : The Dream dreamed Together will be Reality

Why We are Here

Again, the 4th Saturday is coming. Some people may wonder why MANNAM is doing this,   <더 PEACE> talk concert or other activities and movements to create the culture of peace. Do you think 'peace' is just a word and the excuse of war or tool to make an organization well-known, too? One of my friend wrote like it when we were participating in WPI movement and asked 'what is peace?'

Whatever you thought, the true purpose of campaigns is not false one and members taking part in them are sincerely hoping peace. '더 PEACE' team in the Busan North branch is having weekly meeting and studying about Peace and War, and discussing how we can make students and citizens think of peace and make it together. Also, we want to meet as many international friends as possible, because each countries have many different cultural, political, religious, ethnic backgrounds, we can learn from each other and can be inspired by meeting. 

Beginning of Change

A turning point in life is, of course, it can be a huge and surprising event but we can find that sometimes very trivial things can change our thought, feeling, even life. Also, it is often from people we meet in life. I was working in student council and in the 3rd year became the student representative when I was in middle school. There was a very energetic and active teacher and he frequently suggested to make campaigns and student movements. As a result, our student council did several campaigns. For example, in Korea, there is sometimes serious bullying cases but we, student council, made posters, 'Public Indifference is Another Violence' to rise awareness of citizens around school and make them realize the seriousness of school violence. I can't say that all campaigns were always successful or highly effective, but it made difference in the town. 

I learned two things. First, even if just one member of school thought differently and worked off his energy, it can have a positive influence on others and  move students. Secondly, when we started to think, plan and act in a community, it can extend over the community.  

In MANNAM International, I found there were many friends like him and dreamed the culture of peace, love, and volunteerism, and now I believed that we can achieve it when more and more people dreamed together. MANNAM hopes you will be that one to think differently and give off positive energy in the world, as well as come and make our campaigns together! 

We Invite you to the 3rd <더 PEACE> talk concert! 

On the picture above, through sharing stories of each other and listening to others, understanding and communication starts, furthermore, world can be changed by it. 

MANNAM Volunteer Association in South Korea 3: Korea Will Remember You Forever

On June 25, Sunday 4:00am, 1950, the tragic Korean War began with gunfire and after 3 years and 1 month, the ceasefire negotiation ended, leaving an everlasting pain and many scars behind. 

With the precious sacrifice of the veterans, we rose up and made unimaginable progress and developments. Within 60 years, trying to leave the pain behind, Korea was able to flourish in the world by holding the 88 Olympics, 2002 World Cup, and the G-20 Seoul Summit.

Marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, MANNAM held this event in remembrance of the veteran’s sacrifices which made Korea truly what it is today.

By the Arrangement of Collective Security, ‘UN takes effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace' UN forces enter the Korean War to protect Korea's liberalization. The Korean War was the first war involving the UN forces in an effort to bring forth Peace and freedom to Korea. So this became not just Korea's war, but a war in which the world shared.
We will never forget the sacrifice and dedication of the UN forces which allowed Korea to exist today. (Retrieved from mannamintl.org)

On June 26th, 2010, Sejong Center on Seoul Gwanghwa gate street, there were a lot of special guests early in the morning. They were war veterans of the Korean War and their family from many cities of South Korea, and the ambassadors of nations which had participated in Korean War as UN forces. 

From 10 a.m., the Nara Sarang National Event, 'Korea will Remember You Forever' was started. With opening, the biggest Taeguek flag, which was made in Memorial Day of 2009, appeared and flag bearers first emerged then many variety performances followed, to remember soldiers and many people who sacrificed their lives because of war. 

The representative of MANNAM volunteer association, Nam Hee Kim's speech was followed by the rememberance of one of war veterans, Man Hee Lee. 

Next, an unveiling ceremony for a special monument which had been made by ambassador's hand print from each country that helped Korea during the war as UN forces. The monument has Taeguek mark!

Also, with the handprinting monument, there was a meaningful event, made a time-capsule and put 1,300 letters from citizens in South Korea and the monuments which make us come up with this event for remembering Korean War. 

From April, students in 7 elementary schools took part in leaving their fingerprint, appreciating of UN participation, the flag made with fingerprints of children. Korea remember you forever!!!

MANNAM Volunteer Association in South Korea 2: Love for Taeguek, and Love for Mugunghwa

In Korea, June 6th is Memorial Day for commemorating people who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. On June 6th, Memorial Day of 2009, a public patriotic event was held which one hundred thousand people participated on Yeongdong main-street (blocking eight-lanes) in front of the Coex Mall.  

It was the 54 th Memorial Day, and there 54 volunteer organizations in Korea and abroad participated in and set up many booths as well as prepared many performances. 

MANNAM Volunteer Association became much larger and more known by public through this event, as 54 organizations united. You can see the names of organizations (more than 54 now) on mannam.org.

Actually, MANNAM mainly volunteered around Gangnam, Seoul, unnoticeably, but with a pure heart from 2003. In 2008, a bazaar was held for those in need at the Apgujung, Chungdam elementary school and ten thousand citizens, including local residents participated. Gangnam district office was surprised with the outcome and suggested holding another event together. Finally, 'Love for Taeguek, Love for Mugunghwa' was held!!!

The Biggest Taeguek flag in the World

There were impressive performances and monuments, one of which was the biggest Taeguek flag (Korean national flag) in the world. It was recorded on the Guinness book!

This flag was made by 17,337 people's fingerprint, of which size is 60*40 meter. 

Look at the right picture! Can you imagine how big it is? 

The flag was completed in the square of peace in Olympic park and exhibited in the KEPCO building during the event.

Among 54 volunteer association, there are volunteer groups who share their skills and talents as artists so there were various performances and it was really surprising, touching, even inspiring some people said. 

Also, there was a fun, but meaningful performance, 'Mixing Bibimbap.' Bibimbap is one of the well-known Korean traditional foods, which is a symbol of harmony and balance. 

On the day, Bibimbap for 1,000 people was in a very huge bowl, then VIPs in the event came and mix it wishing Korea society to be in harmony.

During this event, many people including international families learned about not only Taeguek and Mugunghwa but also Korean histories. 

MANNAM did not stop loving for Taeguek, loving for Mugunghwa, and loving for cultural heritage! Many branches are connected to elementary schools and educational centers run by local communities, and yearly have held the event or offered educational programs to teach Mugunghwa and Taeguek,and make people recognize its meaning. 

And Now, we, MANNAM International wants to share each nation's culture and histories as well as each member's stories through communication each other, because when more than 50 organizations became united and MANNAM was born at the beginning, we understood and recognize the importance of culture and histories, furthermore, the value of volunteerism to make the world more beautiful. 

World Peace, and Victoryis started from understanding.And for understanding and communication, there must be 만남 (meeting)! :)

MANNAM Volunteer Association in South Korea 1: Rememberance for March 1st Movement

Today, March 1st is a national holiday in Korea when March 1st Movement took place. There a lot of Koreans including many students and intellectuals participated in the movement, and they shouted for freedom. 

Even if they looked weak and powerless because they lost their land and ruled by Japan, they just rose Taeguek flag (Korean national flag) and shouted hurray for independence of motherland, restoration of light. 

Like them in 1919, today, on March 1st in 2013, MANNAM Gwangju branch organized the parade of cycling with Taeguek flags (It was covered in Korean news channel YTN: http://bit.ly/YOy95G)

In Seoul, there was a '응답하라 1919' event ('응답하라' means 'Do respond.' This title is a parady of '응답하라 1997,' which was a popular drama that made people who were students in 1997 felt  nostalgia. So, the title is intended to make audience think about 1919 when March 1st Movement occurred.)

One of MANNAM Busan North members visited Seoul to see families and she happened to see the event, and got the stickers! She guessed it's MANNAM event because there were many people including many international friends, and her thought was right! :) Then, she took pictures and sent these to Busan North members!

MANNAM members and citizens in Seoul walked together from Insa-dong to Gwang-hwa gate remembering March 1st Movement and wishing world peace! Also there were the parade to represent March 1st, 1919 - with similar clothes, and short drama. 

MANNAM volunteer association, which started from Korea, has been planning and held the national festival once or twice a year. Remembering Korean and world histories and giving a respect to many people who tired to make world peace is also what we want to do. 

Furthermore, our activities like these make people- especially for children and youth groups-rise awareness of the truly important values. We held 'Love for Taegeuk,  and Love for Mugungwha' on Memorial Day of 2009, gave thanks to UN participation in the Korean War on June 26th, 2010, held 'Festival of World Peace, Light Restoration, and Victory' celebrating the Independence Day in 2010 and 2011. Next posts I will introduce other events! 

How to come to the Learning Square where MANNAM The PEACE is going on

From the 2nd concert, 

we will hold the concert every month on Learning Square at Seomyeon !!! 

It is so appropriate to hold seminar and talk program and we think many people can find easily the location.  

White-colored interior design, and self-bar 

where you can take a cup of coffee or tea, and some bread. :) 

This is the room for <The PEACE> talk concert. 

You can find soon MorningGlory next to YBM language institute

 if you come up through Exit 1 of Seomyeon Stn.,

then Learning square is on the 2nd floor in the same building with MorningGlory.

All pictures from Learning Square website (www.learningsquare.co.kr)

MANNAM the 2nd Peace talk concert : Laws for Human Rights

Preparing the 2nd peace talk concert, searching and reading many articles, laws, and studying programs of other organization helped us. Among them, I want to share about laws and a book 'Enough Blood Shed.'
On this post, you can find an effort of organizations and countries through establishing laws.

Effort to protect Human Rights

First one is so basic and fundamental one, UN human rights declaration. The general assembly proclaims the universal declaration of human rights:

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. (Article 2)

Feel sorry for that they did not utter disablity in article 2, but the enactment of this laws made many people think about human rights. I learned this since childhood in school. However, reading again this time, I really appreciated of UN and many organizations' effort to establish freedoms and peace in the world. The rule of law can change many things and protect the rights of human.

Rised Awareness through Correcting Color Name

Reformation of laws often diverts our thoughts.

What name is this color in your country? In Korea, about 10 years ago, its name is '살색', which means 'skin color.'


The Korean Agency for the Technology and Standards (KATS) had defined the certain color as "skin color" in the Korean Industrial Standard. Revision for this color was started on November, 2001, by 4 foreigners and the Reverend Hae-song Kim, of the Seong-Nam House for Foreign Workers. They filed a petition to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) against KATS and three other crayon manufacturing companies.

The NHRC recommended KATS to revise the name of color in Korean Industrial Standard. The NHRC maintains that the terminology may be appropriate for those with East-Asian origins, the terminology violates the right of equality of other races and spreads misconceptions of race and skin color. Finally, the name of color is changed into '연주황 (light orange)' in November, 2002.


However, it was not the end. the name was changed one more time by 6 childeren. I translated the '연주황' as 'light orange' so you maybe may not feel it's not difficult, but '연주황(軟朱黃)' comes from Chinese character and it's difficult for Korean childeren to understand (Many Korean language words come from Chinese, but they are usually vocabularies for more advanced level.) 6 children submitted petition, which declared that it was another discrimination to children who have difficult understanding, to NHRCK.

So, now this color name is 살구색 (Apricot.)

Of course, when I was young, I recognized and called the color 'skin color' but after a few years later, in my highschool, through learning and campaigns, I learned the name of color is not that. This shift of thinking is started from a few of people who focused on what wrong is on laws and tradition (the labeling 'skin color' began in 1967) and they required the reformation of laws. Then, it influences people's thought and even crayon companies because it has force.

*Reference:
National Human Rights Commission of Korea. (2002). Skin Color Crayons Promote Discrimination. NHRCK Press. Retrieved from http://www.humanrights.go.kr/english/activities/view_01.jsp

Make the World Move and Create Laws Together

We are also going to create the laws in activity time on the 2nd Peace talk concert.
First, we will talk and share our thoughts and experiences about discrimination and equality. Then, we will make promise and want to establish laws for our community.

It doesn't look serious because we are not a member of UN? But as you see in above case, small steps and real action will make a big change. So, now we start to move.
MANNAM Volunteer Association hopes to establish world peace together.

Why not you?
Let's Talk, Share and Express together !

The 2nd MANNAM Peace Talk concert, The PEACE #2: Equality&Discrimination

The PEACE #2.: 

Equality &Discrimintaion

Hello, everyone.

MANNAM Busan North is going to have the 2^nd peace talk concert, <더 PEACE>

*’The Peace’ #2. <Equality & Discrimination>

*When: Feb 23th, Saturday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

*Where: Learning Square Seminar room @ Seomyeon (Seomyeon subway Stn. Exit #1)

*Program*

7:30-7:50  Reception, Share Snack&Tea (There are some snack, juice, coffee and tea)

7:50  Opening (The head director will introduce what the concert is about)

8:00-8:30  Part 1. ‘Listen’ : Speech (Speaker: Rodrigo Braune)

8:35-9:05  Part 2. ‘Jump’ : Express your opinion FREEly! Discussion related to the speech

9:10  Share each opinion and Wrap-up

9:25  Closing (We will receive applications for next month's speech)

#Contact: 010.6718.0091 Kristen / mannamthepeace@gmail.com

If you want to join and enjoy the concert, Please confirm ahead of time! :)

On every 4th week, we will have a talk concert, with the title ‘더 Peace’

Everyone has been talking about peace a lot and each has different view.

However, there are common ground among people, more fundamental and basic one.

So, we decided to listen to variety views through the Speech and a discussion which will help more people to find and make ‘the Peace’!

Every month has a theme related to making the culture of peace.

Why don’t you join us ? :) Do not miss it!

Have you thougt about Equality & Discrimination?: MANNAM 2nd Peace Talk concert

MANNAM The PEACE project team is preparing 2nd Peace talk concert.
The 2nd theme is about equality and discrimination. Have you experienced 'discrimination' in your life? And how do you think about 'equality and discrimination'?

Our friend, the 2nd guest speaker, Rodrigo is preparing the speech. And I read his scripts and it was impressing. You can hear his real experience and sincere heart to equality and discrimination. Look forward the 2nd talk concert! :)

[더Peace] #1. Peace, War and Me. - MANNAM Volunteer Association North Busan

Our First talk concert movie clip!

The 1st speaker was Aislin Kim, who is in charge of MANNAM facebook, an university student in Busan. You can find her story more on the blog mannampop.blogspot.com

MANNAM has a goal of world peace and the peace team do not want to stop World Peace Initiative movement which we started last year. When we held the World Peace Festival last year, some people has skeptical view about World Peace and they thought it's just for making the organization famous, but I really don't like the view.

'더 PEACE' team, including me, has each reason why we want peace and love to share our feelings and opinions in the MANNAM community. What I want is not to be famous, or writing a good line on my resume (one of my friends guesses that I am doing this for good resume) - If I want it, I will work for more established organizations than MANNAM - but what I sincerely want is to learn attitude to accept/tolerate other culture and friends with true heart.

MANNAM makes me imagine and act. Before, I was just thinking without acting. Although I learned  5 languages and eastern/western histories and literature, I did not imagine and even did not believe world can be united and establish peace.   

But now, I'm finding the possibility of peace and true understanding between you and I, we and they, and between all different nations/cultures.

You can find what MANNAM is doing, what we are dreaming on the video.

We never do force our view/vision to members.

What we are doing is listening to others' story sharing each opinion, and express to make the culture of peace and unity.

If you want to take part in our project, <The PEACE>, please do contact!

Contact# Kristen 010.6718.0091 / mannamthepeace@gmail.com

Please subscribe our blog also!

Oh, I did not introduce myself, I'm Kristen and leader of this project team.  :)

In Korea, it's three-day-holiday (Feb 9th-11th) celebrating Lunar new year! Have a good day and Happy Seolnal!