The DMZ World Literature Festa marks a significant cultural initiative aimed at bridging the divide between North and South Korea through the power of literature. Scheduled from March 27 to 29, the event will take place in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and nearby publishing areas. The organizing committee has extended invitations to North Korean writers, seeking not only to enhance the scale of the event but also to symbolize breaking through the barriers of the tense relationship between the two Koreas with literary dialogue. This effort is encapsulated in their theme: ‘From the Land of Silence to the Language of Life.’

During the kick-off press conference, South Korean authors expressed their desires to transform the DMZ, a symbol of division, into a space for public discourse where the thoughts of global literary figures can converge. The symbolic act of inviting Northern writers is seen as a pivotal move to open channels of communication that have long been stagnant. Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon remarked on the significance of this literary gathering, evoking the imagery of small ivy leaves collectively overcoming despair, likening them to the voices of participating authors who will create new narratives across the symbolic wall of the DMZ.

The festival goes beyond a mere literary celebration; it aspires to serve as a global platform that shares universal values. The event will emphasize themes of life, peace, and coexistence, representing a cultural reinterpretation of the DMZ, not just as a relic of past conflicts but as a vibrant site for imagining peace and coexistence. Co-executive chairman Go Myung-cheol highlighted that this initiative stands as a literary practice aimed at overcoming the division imposed by the war's language, seeking instead to resonate with narratives celebrating life and dignity.