Like the ancient Imjin River that flows unimpeded from North to South, the Korean people’s destiny toward unity cannot be permanently blocked by artificial barriers. The 1919 Sam Il movement showed us that 2 million Koreans can come together as one people, dreaming not just of independence but of a nation embodying Hongik Ingan—to broadly benefit all humanity. The rivers remember what politics have forgotten—that what divides Korea is recent and artificial, while what unites it spans five millennia.
Rivers of the North and South
Originating in the North, the Imjin River flows south, unencumbered by the military checkpoints, guard towers, and barbed wire fences of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The river then combines with the great Han River that flows through Seoul. By the time these waters reach the Yellow Sea, they have become a single, powerful flow.
The Imjin-Han River system operates as it has for millennia, long before the artificial division of 1945 that separated a people who share over 5,000 years of common history, language, and cultural traditions.
Just as the Imjin River’s waters merge seamlessly with the Han to form a stronger, more vibrant waterway, so too might the Korean people find their way back to unity despite nearly eight decades of separation and ideological differences.
Beyond Bitter History
For nearly 80 years, the Korean Peninsula has endured a painful division. Families were torn apart, ideologies hardened, and mutual suspicion became entrenched. The Korean War (1950-1953) claimed millions of lives and left physical and emotional scars that still affect both societies today.
Yet beneath this bitter history runs a deeper current of shared identity. The rivers remind us that what divides Koreans is recent and artificial, while what unites them is ancient and natural. When North and South Koreans meet in third countries, they discover their common humanity – the same language, songs, stories, and values, as well as shared ancestral traditions and ideals.
The Unfulfilled Promise of March 1st
The rivers’ journey toward unity echoes the unfulfilled aspirations of the March 1st Movement of 1919, when Koreans across the peninsula rose in peaceful protest against Japanese colonial rule. This watershed moment in Korean history represented the collective yearning for independence and self-determination, with millions of Koreans from all walks of life joining in nationwide demonstrations.
The Declaration of Independence, signed by 33 cultural and religious leaders representing different regions and faiths, articulated a vision for Korea that transcended mere national liberation. These leaders envisioned a nation founded on Hongik Ingan—the ancient Korean ideal of “broadly benefiting humanity.” This founding philosophy, dating back to the mythical establishment of Korea by Dangun in 2333 BCE, envisioned Korea as a nation that would contribute to the good of all humanity rather than pursue narrow self-interest.
Leaders like Ahn Chang-ho and Kim Gu—though differing in their specific approaches—shared this commitment to creating a Korea that would stand as a model nation built on principles of justice, equality, and service to humanity. Their vision was not merely of an independent Korea, but of a Korea that would help lead humanity toward greater harmony and prosperity.
The division of Korea in 1945 prevented this vision from being realized, as geopolitical interests once again superseded the Korean people’s aspirations. Yet like the persistent Imjin River that continues its southward journey despite obstacles, the ideals of Hongik Ingan remain alive in Korean consciousness, waiting for the day when a reunified Korea can finally embody them.
Building a New Nation Together
Reunification would not mean the simple absorption of one state by the other. The problems seen on both sides of the DMZ suggest that neither has all the answers. Rather, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon proposes the creation of a new nation through a process of rediscovering and learning from the ancient Korean values and the Hongik Ingan ideal.
Moreover, he suggests that a new Korean nation might embody a harmonious blend of complementary strengths: Northern resource wealth enhanced by Southern technological expertise; traditional Korean values enriched by globally-engaged innovation; and the resilience forged through hardship complemented by the prosperity built through engagement. This synergy would create something greater than either could achieve alone.
The Ocean Awaits
As the joined rivers ultimately flow into the vast Yellow Sea, they remind us that a reunited Korea would not exist in isolation but would take its place in the wider world. A peaceful, reunified Korean Peninsula would contribute significantly to regional stability and global prosperity.
Like those persistent waters finding their way to unity despite all obstacles, the Korean people may yet navigate the challenging rapids of reconciliation. When they do, they will discover that, like the rivers merging on their journey to the sea, they are stronger together than apart—their combined energies creating new possibilities that neither could achieve alone.