Forum aboard Seoul-Busan KTX train

By Hu Young-sup

I was quite lucky to participate in the train forum arranged by the AJA (Asia Journalist Association) over the weekend.

Dubbed the ``Peace Train” for commemorating and considering the meaning of the G20 Seoul summit, which will open Nov. 11 for a two-day run, it drew about 60 dignitaries, including politicians headed by former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-oh.

The entourage also comprised journalists from China, Egypt, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam as well as many of their Korean counterparts. The program had proceeded all the way until the KTX train arrived at its last stop of Busan Station. As it was, the forum took nearly three hours from departure at Seoul Station.

Almost every participant presented his or her views on the ways for promoting peace in the global village. Ex-Speaker Kim emphasized that we must keep world peace by making ourselves strong enough not to be invaded by outside powers. Kim also expressed the hope that he will be able to extend the train forum to Europe via North Korea and Russian Siberia in the near future.

Rev. Bup-ryoon, famous for his book ``A Monk’s Officiating Message,” talked about the importance of communication among nations, social organizations and individuals to keep the peace. Following him was Rep. Lee Myung-soo, who said the forum's perspective needs to be extended beyond the Pacific Ocean, the direction this train was heading.

Many of the participants, however, expressed regrets about the situation, in which quite a few nations and their people suffer from not only natural disasters but also human calamities named war even today. Ivan Lim, a Singaporean journalist who also serves as president of AJA, suggested that the G20 take more interest in the suffering regions of Asia, South America and Africa.

Rep. Lee Jong-geol lamented there remain so many barriers to overcome to bring peace worldwide. Giving an example of the recent ``currency war” among G20 member countries, he stressed we still have a long way to go. Michael Prieler, an Austrian professor now teaching at Hallym University in Chuncheon, expressed similar views.

Even though there was no formal resolution or declaration, the majority of the participants seemed to agree that the upcoming G20 Seoul summit will have to take care of the impoverished lives of people in less developed countries. Especially the participants from media circles reaffirmed their duty of contributing to peace by reporting natural and man-made disasters occurring in every corner of this planet.

Aside from what was discussed in the forum, it was a fantastic journey to appreciate the rural scenery of autumn. Although the rice paddies were already cleared as the harvest season has passed, the views spreading outside the train window were extremely peaceful and soothing.

Moreover, the mountains turning into varied colors made me feel seasonal excitement and pleasure. Is there any better way than a train journey to enjoy the autumn? In this respect, the ``Peace Train” program was perfect not only in terms of the forum but for outside scenery, as well.

It was also welcome news that the running hours of the KTX between Seoul and Busan will get far shorter than now thanks to the completion of the construction of the East Daegu-Busan section. CEO Huh Joon-young of Korail explained that Korail's technical level is advanced enough to export its system to foreign countries.

I'm sure that Korea’s potential shown in KTX technology enables the nation to preside over the G20 summit today. Particularly it is notable that Korea is the first country to attract the summit outside of the G7 boundary.

Immediately after arriving in Busan, the participants visited the U.N. Forces Cemetery to lay flowers before the deceased from Korean War. We all know the deceased foreign soldiers lying there devoted their lives for the peace of Korea and its people.

We owe them today's prosperity and wealth. We know we cannot protect peace without sacrifices corresponding to the calls of the times. The ``Peace Train” brought to my mind so many lessons that I had long missed.

The writer is a freelance columnist living in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. He may be reached at gracias1234@naver.com.