Gyeongbuk Province conferred a total of 40 commendations, including Governor’s citations, alongside 3 unification merit badges to individuals who have contributed significantly to peaceful unification and inter-Korean harmony. Additionally, 24 award certificates were presented to winners of the "57th National Unification Cultural Exhibition," co-hosted by the Ministry of Unification and the National Unification Advisory Council.

The ‘2026 National Unification Gyeongsangbuk-do Convention,’ organized by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Chapter of the National Unification Advisory Council (President Park Jong-ho), took place on the 21st at the Yeongdeok Yeju Culture and Arts Center. The event was held under the theme, "A Denuclearized, Peaceful, and Prosperous Korean Peninsula".

The convention brought together approximately 700 people, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Administrative Vice Governor Hwang Myung-seok, Yeongdeok County Mayor Cho Joo-hong, Provincial Assemblyman Hwang Jae-chul, National Unification Advisory Council Chairman Do Jae-young, Gyeongsangbuk-do Chapter President Park Jong-ho, and council members.

During the event, participants recited the members' creed and a resolution, and announced Goryeong-gun as the host city for the next convention. The ceremony concluded with all attendees joining in a chorus of "Our Wish (Is Unification)".

Established in 1981, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Chapter of the National Unification Advisory Council has been carrying out grassroots unification movements based on its regional chapters and members. The council plans to continue its practical steps toward peaceful unification by organizing youth unification lectures and promoting inter-regional exchange and cooperation.

In his opening address, Park Jong-ho, President of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Chapter, stated, "The dream of unification we share today goes beyond merely remembering the past; it is a promise to pass down a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula to future generations. All 11,000 members, equipped with a firm national outlook and a strong sense of duty, should broaden the consensus on peaceful unification and take the lead in practical actions for ethnic harmony and peaceful unification."

In his congratulatory remarks, Hwang Myung-seok, Administrative Vice Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do, noted, "Yeongdeok is a historical site where thousands of residents shouted 'Long Live Korean Independence' with one heart in 1919, elevating the nation's will for independent sovereignty. Inheriting the spirit of independence and solidarity demonstrated by our forebears, I hope the Gyeongsangbuk-do Chapter of the National Unification Advisory Council will take the lead in opening a future of ethnic harmony and peaceful unification."

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