student corner Meeting of the DMZ and Art
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By Cho Yoon-seo
What occurs to you when you think of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)?
This area, dividing South and North Korea, is the Cold War’s last frontier. In pictures we just see several layers of wire fences and a peaceful plain where deer run freely.
For more than 60 years, the DMZ and the border area has been home to a pristine ecological system.
In spite of its value, I don’t think there has been sufficient discussion about how to take advantage of it in the event of Korea’s unification.
But thanks to the government’s announced plan to build a DMZ world peace park, people are becoming more interested in this issue than ever before.
There appear to be two main opinions on this issue: pure preservation of the DMZ vs. positive development.
“Doing nothing” is likely to be the best way to keep it in its natural state for the benefit of future generations.
But such a passive attitude would bury the DMZ’s potential value, and prevent the nation from contributing to unification.
On the other hand, rash development would surely destroy the ecosystem there.
At present, the border area is the subject of security tours and some related activities. With the DMZ, it is possible to harmonize the conflicting interests.
There cannot be any pros and cons for a “peaceful utilization” of the DMZ, not only in the South but also in the North. An alternative approach to the DMZ is needed now. I'd like to suggest a meeting of the DMZ and art.
“Division” is the tragic reality of our history, but it can be turned into global artistic material just like the “Crow’s Eye View: The Korean Peninsula” pavilion which was awarded a top prize at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale.
Therefore I think more focus should be put on art rather than tourism.
Here is an example: “The Real DMZ Project,” presented by the Art Sonje Center. This project is an annual exhibition of contemporary artists’ paintings, photos and installation artworks in the border town of Cheorwon, Gangwon Province.
When I joined the exhibition tour in 2012, I found so many foreign participants interested in the situation surrounding the two Koreas.
In Korea, the DMZ is the result of division, but I'm sure it can be catalysts for the reunification.
Imagine the spectacle if worldwide artworks were displayed on 1,292 border posts along the Military Demarcation Line. What an exciting image of a reunified Korea!
I insist that the DMZ serve as a space that promotes world peace beyond the Korean Peninsula. It is art that can fill up that space.
The writer is a student at Ewha Girls’ Foreign Language High School.