Environment ministry and Kyobo Life to host fourth Earth Hada Festival

The environment ministry and Kyobo Life Insurance said they will hold the fourth Earth Hada Festival at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Sept. 21 to spread climate action into daily life.

Operating under the theme "Earth, Shared Together," the festival stems from a 2022 cooperation agreement on environmental education between the ministry and nine companies, including Kyobo Life, which launched the project in 2023.

The schedule includes a talk concert featuring Seoul National University geography professor Park Jung-jae, who will discuss the history of climate change and humanity's impact from a big history perspective. Organizers also plan an awards ceremony for a climate action drawing and artificial intelligence video contest, alongside a challenge quiz involving 100 citizens.

Additional activities include an environmental musical titled "Heartbeat Saerona Challenge" focused on resource circulation, a mobile stamp tour and a climate citizen declaration designed for families to learn and practice eco-friendly habits together.

Kim Sung-hwan, the minister of climate, energy and environment, stressed that addressing the climate crisis requires active participation from individuals and businesses. "I hope this event will serve as an opportunity for corporate social contribution activities to encourage citizens to actively join climate action and spread practical efforts throughout society," he said.