The trip included other profound exchanges. The Emerald Isle has just recently begun to build peace, while the Korean peninsula is in the midst of division. During a workshop hosted by Cooperation Ireland, the Korean leadership delegation was asked to visualize the current reality of their nation and envision the future. Unanimously they envisioned a future of unity and peace. The Korean delegation visited the Peace Walls in Belfast and paid a courtesy visit to the Korean Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Park Hae-yun. They attended the Northern Ireland Parliament where they met Mr. Danny Kennedy.
The group also visited the St. Munchins Community in Limerick to observe a model of community service work. Many in the Korean Delegation are involved in volunteer and service work in Korea. One participant commented on the close inter-generational ties that the Community Center fosters through its program. In Korea the needs of the aging is becoming an increasingly critical issue.
Global Peace Leadership Exchanges foster inter-cultural and inter-religious understanding and cooperation through visits by government, religious and civil society leaders to host countries where few citizen exchanges take place.
Visit to Bunratty Castle
The Korean Leadership delegation visited Bunratty Castle, the most complete restoration of a medieval castle in Ireland. The castle was originally built in 1425 and restored in 1954.
Visit to King John Castle in Limerick
The Korean Delegation visited King John Castle in Limerick. The castle a well preserved Norman castle built by King John in 1200. The castle is a central piece in much of Limerick’s history.
Korean Delegation Attends Co-Operation Ireland Workshop
The Korean delegation also visited Co-operation Ireland. Established in 1979, Co-operation Ireland works to create spaces and opportunities for the different religious communities in Northern Ireland to come together.
Meeting with Korean Ambassador in Dublin
The delegation paid their respects at an altar in the Korean Embassy for the victims of the Sewol Ferry incident in Korea.
Korean Delegation Attends Co-Operation Ireland Workshop
When asked to envision the future of their country, the Korean delegation’s unanimous hope for their nation was unity and peace.
Peace Walls And Murals In Belfast
The delegation visited the Peace Walls in Belfast. The Korean delegation signed the walls with their prayers and hope for lasting peace. It was a stirring reminder of the barbed wired fences in Imjingak.
Guinness Store House in Dublin
A family business for over 250 years, the stout brew is loved by people all over the world. It started from an unused distillery in Dublin to become one of the world’s best loved drafts.
Korean Ambassador in Dublin, Amb. Park Hae-Yun
The delegation visited Ambassador Park Hae-yun, Korean Ambassador in Dublin. They talked about the objectives of the Global Peace Leadership Exchange and the vision and goals of the Global Peace Foundation.
Northern Ireland Parliament Building
At the Northern Ireland Parliament Building with Parliament Member: Mr. Danny Kennedy (Ulster Unionist Party)
Korean Delegation Attends Co-Operation Ireland Workshop
Mr. Barry Fennell of Co-operation Ireland, and Dr. Alan Langely, and the Korean leadership delegation was asked to visualize the current reality of their nation on the left side of their paper and their future hope for their nation on the right.
Korean Delegation Visits the St. Munchins Community Centre
Many of the Korean delegation are involved in volunteer and service work in Korea. It was a meaningful stop to the St. Munchins Community Centre in Limerick to learn from the Centre’s community development and service initiatives.
Visit at Cliff of Moher
The Global Peace Leadership Exchange delegation visited the signature site of the Emerald Isle, the Cliff of Moher and tasted the best chowder in Ireland at Doolin.
Global Peace Leadership Exchange at the Dublin Castle
The Dublin Castle is a mix of Irish history, from a Norman Tower that was a prison, to the ancient dubh linn, or dark pool in the center courtyard that gave Dublin its name, to the Bedford Tower (shown in the photo) which was built in 1751.
